Trademark Novos Win

A perfect day for a game of rugby and the lads were in fine spirits knowing there was a free bar after the game !

Focus regained, we started well but perhaps spurned some chances. We finally troubled the scorers after some fine team play. This enabled Richard Harrison to make a break and run away from a prop, I think. Novos 5-0.

On a tit for tat day, Ashington responded with two converted tries. Ashington 14-5. However, this only spurred us on as pressure started to tell. After numerous penalties awarded Dan Bollado stepped up to knock over three points. Ashington 14-8.

More penalties enabled us to get into the Ashington 22m. After a series of attacks Jonny Smith smashed over, game on 13-14.

We were having a good spell now and were trying to play as fast as the opposition would allow us. More penalties, more quick taps... Bollado made one of his trademark breaks. A tackler had him, thought he had passed so let him go... only to see him drive in over the line for a converted try. Novos 20-14.

Surely we would kick on now. However, back came Ashington on a day when they just never stopped coming back at us. Ashington 21-20.

Heading into the last 15 mins we kept the tempo high, more quick taps from penalties (no yellows though ?) and eventually Shaun Stewart made a great try, converted by Bollado. Novos 27-21.

Ashington, would not give in however and after making a break from their own half the eventually scored from close range. Ashington 28-27 with only 8 mins left.

Novos, who have only lost one game since late October don't like the taste of defeat. A few long range penalties were turned down by capt Jamie Wallace. The Novos boys rallied by Wallaces belief continued to smash into the Ashington defence. With time almost up an unlikely hero stepped up as Pete Twentyman (may have more than 20 friends after this) and crashed over from short range, converted by Bollado. Novos 34-28.

With a few boys missing, we secured a double over Ashington. Over the two games Ashington have perhaps deserved more out of the matches. Bishop Auckland aside these games have probably been our next strongest test.

Thanks go to the ref who copped it all day from everyone who was close enough to yell. He called what he saw and perhaps we can grumble that a penalty count of 20+ to 6 should have seen some yellows. However, as he said in the bar afterwards he prefers to find a way to keep 30 players on the pitch. I do agree that this year we have seen so many yellow cards for technical offences, yet not many when foul play has occurred.

Another win, another step closer to promotion. Great atmosphere in the bar afterwards, provided by Ringtons sponsorship.

Of note, was the players after match wrestling attire. A huge crowd watched Jack Pellew hold the hand aloft of Nick Cotterill, as he defeated Dan Bollado for the Novos Heavyweight Championship.

On Tuesday we play The Poly at Druids in the Cup Final. A great opportunity for our players to challenge themselves against what is effectively a Level Five side. Nothing to lose though so lets smash into their zit covered bodyies. I have written down all their calls/shapes/injured players on a bit of paper and will hand it out asap !

It will be a strange occasion for me as I see two sets of players I love get stuck into each other. So when we win I will be gutted for Si and his hairless, no craic, non tax paying group of lads... NTID ??