Novos Edge It

A strange performance from Novos on a windy day in Nth Shields. Yes, we won 15-10 but missed out on a vital bonus point.

Into the wind Novos started really well, maintaing possession for long periods. Thursdays practice showed thru as we smashed into rucks and had some continuity.

After gaining a lineout around the 22m line we drove in with Johnny Smith coming up with the pill. We had dominated the early exchanges up front and were well worth our lead. Novos 5-0.

Despite perhaps kicking too much ball away we managed to get back into the Nth Shields half. After some good team play Rob Squire used his huge frame to crash over the line from 3m out. Novos 10-0.

Half time came and we turned around with a strong wind at our backs. Unfortunately, we did not stick to the game plan and perhaps thought the wind would get us the two tries we needed for a bonus point win.

Eventually, we made a break with Richard Harrison running a good line and throwing a netball pass to spedster Jonny Ward. In space, no one is going to catch him(except Tom Lewin perhaps) and he dive in the corner. Novos 15-0.

As is the Novos way we let them back in. Inside Nth Shields 22m we conceeded four quick penalties and were marched down the field. After being marched ten Nth Shields took a quick tap which they should not have been allowed to do, crahed over for a street wise try. Novos 15-5

During the scoring of the try a silly incident occurred and a fight broke out. This seemed to spur our opposition on and we didnt get many decisions after this incident.

Nth Shields started going forward at will and with more penalties they again got back into our 22m. Ben Walker was yellow carded for not rolling away and we were really under the cosh. They then scored a Wales like try with a 15 man push over try...nice. Novos 15-10.

With mins to go Nth Shields were hammering away on our goal line. Some stout defence, turnover and we kicked the penalty out to seal an uncomfortable win.

Thanks to the ref Mick Donkin, apologies for our lack of discipline at times. Think I had too much to say as well, not unusual there !

Whilst it's pleasing to win we should be upset by our second half performance. When we needed to be honest and hardworking we stopped playing rugby and lost focus. Over the next few matches we will need 100% concentration and effort if we are to sustain a push for promotion.

No Tuesday/Thursday training this week lads. However, dont forget we need 30+ lads for the coaching session with Graham Stedman at Druids on Wednesday. Be there for 1800 for a 1815 start. If you want to go, please text Magnus on 0790 443 5993.