Everyone Drinks On A Tighthead

Things could not have started better as Mr Dias worked wonders in getting a heavy pitch marked out for play. Added to that the coaches prediction came true as Tom Lewin's league match was cancelled so he took a spot on the bench.

A contact orientated warm up under our belts, we tore into Rockcliff. Some good hard yards by Gav Evans led to a penalty, slotted by Dan Bollado. Novos 3-0.

Novos had probably their biggest pack out so far this season. It was telling and Novos scrum went forward, yes forward ! For notes on the last time this occurred please see Wardy's info on the web page relating to our history pre 1930 ! Their team pic is attached.

A tighthead took us back onto the attack we were winning lineouts, carrying well and looked like going in for a try. Possession surrended and Rockcliff's rapid winger went 90 metres to score a Novos like try. Rockliff 3-5.

The game was played in pretty good spirit until Matt Bradford was left worse for wear after a ruck. Perhaps he didnt hear his opponent asking him to move away as half his ear was on the ground next to him ?! This journalist did not see the alleged incident but would advise that when a back gets the ball it is better to score under the posts, rather than take it into contact !

No worries, coaches joker played and Tom Lewin gets a debut after some impressive displays for the twos.

We get back on track and start controlling the game again. Some fine team play results in Tom getting a sniff on his wing, more than enough - try out wide. Novos 8-5.

Novos playing at high tempo from a lineout worked the ball in field. Switch of play from Andrew Maxwell to Chis Ward, he then passed, yes passed to his brother Jonny Ward, who went in for a well worked try in the corner. Half time 13-5 Novos.

Throughout the match we gave away to many penalties, back chat and generally forgot the clubs motto - Everybody Love Everybody ! Due to this we had a few quiet spells but some great two man tackling was preventing Rockcliff from scoring.

Once we got back playing, forwards getting over the gain line Maxwell again tried a switch of play to find Lewin again. No chance of cover getting across, try. 18-5 Novos.

Rockcliff finished the game on the attack but a steal from Rob Squire at the ruck realeased Rich Harrison. He set sail for the line with about 60m to run. However, running out of wind and seeing a tug (prop) after him he rightly passed to Jonny Ward and watched him leave the cover defenders in his wake. Full time 23-5 bonus point win.

Thanks go to Jack Pellew. Not easy to ref in trying conditions and so it proved ! Only joking, thanks Jack and we hope to see you again back at Novos shortly. Porky sends his regards !

Cheers to Rockcliff for the match. They looked a bit fitter than last time we played them and together could easily have gone their way but for a couple of breakaway tries. Fingers crossed they cause an upset against Redcar next week.

For us, Monday at the Marines - ouch. Then Thursday at Bullocksteads before we seek revenge against Harlepool at home on Saturday.

Any news on Lewin's cigar run time ? Wardy's record could be under threat.