Avengers - The Final Episode

Novos have been unbeaten in league rugby since late October and we went into this game flying. It was obvious throughout the week that the boys were up for this top of the table clash.

We started well and hit them hard early on. Novos took the lead as an in form Dan Bollado raced in to score from a quick tap. All the Bishop Auckland boys had expected us to kick at goal !Novos 5-0.

Bishop Auckland however are a great side and they responded well. Their backs cut a line to beat a drifting defence to score under the posts. Bishop Auckland 7-5.

In what was to be a ding dong match all day, Novos went on the attack. It looked like we were going to score again but we dropped the ball. Bishop Auckland pounced on the loose ball and went 60m to score a converted try. 14-5 down.

The match was an absolute cracker, enjoyed by a large crowd. Novos were playing a high tempo game and our handling was much improved. Bishop Auckland tried to get there big lads over the gain line but we tackled our hearts out.

In Jonny Ward, Novos have one of the fastest player in the league. He scored two very good solo tries in quick time with his trademark Salsa Stepping and then putting on the afterburners. One of which was converted by Bollado. Novos 17-14.

Again, Bishop Auckland refused to give in. They kicked a penalty to level and then, with only two mins left their flyhalf stepped up and kicked what he thought was the winner. He has played well throughout the game and it was obvious that he must have been well coached whilst he was at Sunderland Uni !

Novos got a break though as the kick off was knocked into touch by the opposition. With just seconds to go we secured the lineout and piled on the pressure. After several phases, penalty awarded and very kickable. However, Novos had come to win not draw... quick tap and we were off again. A few phases later Pete Twentyman crashed thru for the winner ! Bollado added the conversion. Novos win 24-20, 4 tries to 2.

The boys really deserved the win and Bishop Auckland coaches praised us for the way we attacked them. One match to go and it's all still to play for. Whilst it is unlikely that the league leaders will drop points against Rockcliff we have at least given ourselves an outside chance. Bishop Auckland would be worthy winners of the league and deservedly so as they have only lost two games all season. We wish them luck for their last game.

For us, last two training sessions and then a home game vs a much improved Barnard Castle. C'mon lads lets sneak the most unlikely league title in history, given where we were at xmas !

Finally, thanks to the ref Andy McDonagh.