Gateshead win stop/start match

After a vow to get back doing match reports win/lose or draw I am afraid details are somewhat vague after our night out at our new sponsor, The New Bengal.

I remember we started pretty well, applying pressure mainly due to a high penalty count (18-6 by full time) We kicked a few penalties via Shaun Stewart. However, defensively we looked a little dazed as Gateshead created various overlaps. They scored twice as we didn't match up numbers and their backs ran with pace and precision.

Novos were then reduced to 14 men for a spell as Michael Baker was caught fouling a Gateshead player in retaliation.

We hung in it, however and at 17-12 with a few mins to go in the first half we were still in touch. Then at a scrum out 5m Gateshead scored a pretty soft try. Gateshead up 22-12 at half time.

Novos were not really able to execute their tactics in the first half and hoped for a faster game in the second half.

Unfortunately, the game throughout was a rather stop start affair with a lot of scrums and a few injuries.

When we finally upped the pace of our play Gateshead continued to give away a number of penalty's but we could not break thru.

Two key incidents in the second half did not help our cause either. After some great team play we span the ball wide but only to see the Gateshead centre intercept and run 90m to score. Then just after this, again in the opposition 22m, Ollie Eaves was on the end of a solid blow and the game stopped for a long period.

Once everyone was happy that the player was in no great danger the match was moved to another pitch. Novos finally started to play the corners a bit and picked up the pace again. We managed to score a well worked try (possibly Paddy Reid ??) against a tiring Gateshead side. Final score 17-35.

Gateshead were well worth their victory, they dominated the scrum battle and their backs tore thru us on several occasions.

A strange feeling for me to be beaten by a group of players I coached for 8-9 seasons. It was great to see them again and the old fellas that came along with them. Now that they have their better players back I am sure they will climb the league and finish in the top half.

For us, the lads on the field always give their best effort but we are been hampered a little by unavailability/injuries. I am a massive believer that if we get our best players out more often than not, we would be a middle table side. Unfortunately, this has not been the case and it needs to change.

Thanks to the ref, Graham Crozier. Thought he dealt with the injury well and was one of the best refs we have had this year.