Not Such A Xmas Cracker

After ref Dave Swainson made an executive decision, we kicked off early so the game wouldn't get called off for bad light !

The pitch was almost as heavy as Novos flyhalf.

We received the kick off and tried to play just outside our 22m but were penalised for crossing. Seaham kicked the penalty 0-3.

After getting a lineout in Seaham's half we managed to sustain some good pressure. The forwards organising slow ball options and the backs carrying back toward them in midfield. This pressure enabled us to earn several penalties but we were unable to kick them over.

The old addage of it's okay to miss a penalty as you get the ball back from the 22 came true. We moved back into the Seaham 22m and a simple midfield shape saw Dan Bollado crash thru and a few lads get behind him and push him over. Conversion missed. 5-3 Novos

Controlling territory and possession we were again able to put pressure on Seaham. We then scored a really good team try. The forwards carrying well for several phases before releasing the backs. Some great handling in difficult conditions but Darren McCrory in space and he finished it well. Conversion missed. 10-3 Novos.

However, we then received the kick off and again tried to run it. We made some yards but eventually lost possession. Within mins of this turnover Seaham went in for a try after they carried well up front. 8-10 Novos at halftime.

In the second half we were camped in and around the opposition 22m. Again and again we were denied scores by either missing kicks or good defence by Seaham. Despite all our pressure we couldn't get that next score that would have killed the game off.

With only 13 mins to go we finally got some daylight. Our lineout 15m from the try line, lost the lineout but Seaham tapped it back. Ben Merrett kicked it ahead and dived on the ball first to score. Missed conversion 15-8 Novos.

As is the Novos way we then made an error that gave Seaham the ball in our half. With 1 min to play Seaham's fullback had a 3 on 1 but strangely opted to kick ahead. In an exciting kick chase Magnus Leask out paced the opposition attack and cleared into touch. After the ref stopped laughing he blew the final whistle and ended a good competitive match.

Given the side that we put out it was a good win. It was nice to welcome Matt Bradford back into the side after injury. Also, a vast amount of experience was added via James Forbes, Chris Fife and others.

Thanks go to the ref Dave Swainson,it could not have been easy for him as it was almost impossible to tell who was who.

We enjoyed Seaham's hospitality and I'm sure we all agree that they defended really well.

Xmas break time for us and time to get stuck into some fitness work. Training continues on Tuesday at the club with Thursday's sessions at Bullocksteads.