Happy New Year !!

Prior to xmas, Novos had really been building some momentum up with spirited performances against City and Horden. So this result was no shock to me, though it may have surprised a few north east rugby folk.

Novos started well and controlled the early territory. Launching an attack in the opposition 22m, Michael Reidy crashed over adjacent to the posts after hitting the gain line at pace. Conversion added by Shaun Stewart, Novos 7-0

Medicals responded and marched down the field after two incidents involving the scrum halfs. Medicals young fly half slotted one of them to make the score 7-3.

Both sides were making a lot of errors, natural perhaps given the lay off. However, Novos did manage to get a penalty in Medicals 22m and Pete "Quick Tap" Twentyman took off. After recycling,Ollie Eaves made a great break and threw a decisive pass to put Jonny Ward in the corner. Stewart adding a beauty conversion to make it 14-3.

Once again Medicals responded and gained ground at will as Novos were penalised far too often. During this spell the kicked two penalties to make the halftime score 14-9.

With wise words from Tane and the other guy we knew the first score would be important. However, an up n under kick off enabled Medicals to gather possession and go on the attack from the off. Novos defended well but eventually conceded a try rather softly from a missed tackle. 14-14.

Game on.

Finally, our half time chat took affect as we controlled territory and Medicals kicked us the ball with a scrambled defence to attack. Ward received the ball and beat a few defenders only to pass to Michael Reidy in space ?! He skilfully drew his man and fed Jan Safranek. The youngster then skinned his man and the stood the full back up for a great counter attack try. Converted by Stewart 21-14.

Medicals would not give in and another penalty was kicked to bring it back to 21-17.

Novos looking to put the game to bed, attacked again. The ball was fed out to the backs and Steve Neil took off. He broke thru two defenders and continued another 15m to get a one on one with the full back. Neill with great footwork stepped the last man and raced in for a fine score. Novos 26-17 and heading for a win.

Looking like we wanted it more, again we had Medicals under the cosh. The result was a sideline penalty kicked by Stewart. Novos 29-17 with ten mins to play.

Again, we failed to deal with Medicals kick off and were quickly defending our line. During a spell of Medicals possession Twentyman was penalised and sent to the bin of sin ! Down to 14 for the rest of the match, it is the Novos way after all to do things the hard way. Despite some resolute defence Medicals crashed over to make it 29-24 !

Novos used the kick off to kick deep and regathered possession and played keep ball to see the match out 29-24.

A much needed and well deserved win. We wanted it more, although we were lucky enough to play Medicals on a day where they had some forced changes.

A big difference in the match was also the impact of the Novos bench with Chris Ward coming on to control the lineouts and Jason Collum making a telling hit in defence. Apologies to Sam Dixon as he came on, only to be sacrificed when Twentman was in the bin. Sam, Pete owes you a pint.... and £ 5 !

Thanks go to John Ash for controlling the match. Never easy controlling a derby match, especially when both sides were a bit rusty.

For us, I thought the pack were excellent. We worked really hard around the park and there were some great carries by Jonathon Smith, Reidy, Twentyman. In addition, Graham, Wallace and Littlefair bossed the lineout battle.

A young back line coped well with Medicals and if we manage to get some consistency in availability their is plenty of attacking options there. Eoin Scullion and Eaves combined well, Neill had a great game and the back three (including the two colts Binmore and Safranek) worked well together.

Next week we have Ponteland at home, payback for the last play loss away at the start of the season.

First training Tuesday/Thursday... boots and trainers please for both sessions.

Momentum is a great thing to have behind you !