Horden looked strong in every department and Novos learned that the step up into a higher league will be full of big challenges. Man for man Horden looked bigger, tougher and capitalised on a Novos side off their game.

With early mistakes from Novos, Horden raced out to a half time lead of 28-3. Shaun Stewart with a well struck penalty, Novos only reply.

The second half was much more competitive as Novos looked to show their traditional fighting spirit. Two fine tries by Darren McCrory and 17 year old Euan Binmore looked to lift Novos, Shaun Stewart adding an conversion.

However, Horden lifted again to score 3-4 late tries and extend the score to 66-15. A drubbing perhaps but there were about 20 mins in the game where the match was very competitive.

Thanks to Paul Candlish for reffing. Great to see and old friend still in the game and providing the players with an afternoon of incident free rugby. Although he was the only one to shed blood for the cause ! Taking a roundhouse axe kick to the nose off Horden big number eight !

Cheers Horden for the hospitality. Was great to see some old faces that I used to play against during my time at Westoe/Gateshead and also coach for Durham County. Even better to sit down and have a beer with my opposite coach. An occurrence that does not happen enough !

For me Horden look like title favourites as they have some quality players, especially their second row and fullback.

For Novos a reality check that we have to turn up and fight for every minute of every game. Most rugby people in the North East have written us off and we should want to make them eat their words.

However, given that we have played second and third in last years competition, perhaps two points is more than we could have expected. With several winnable fixtures on the horizon it is time to start gathering points.

The season is long, new recruits are arriving as I type. We must remember that everything that we want this season has to be earned. No points will come for free. We need two good training sessions this week and turn up with the attitude that saw us go five months unbeaten in league rugby !

Medicals are on a roll with two early wins although you would say that we have not played the same quality of opposition. I myself cant wait to see the response of the group !