A Forgetable Day

Novos experienced a day to forget as they travelled to Druids Park. Within 63 mins they had received three yellow cards, conceeded four tries, had Jack Spoor go off injured then had Steve Neill break his leg. Match abandoned 28-5.

A much changed side took the field with several key players not available. However, the scrum looked solid with Jim Higginson back and some weight in the row via Jonny Smith and Josh Stacey.

Gosforth exposed Novos much changed midfield in the early exchanges. With some simple shapes they were able to score three soft but well worked tries. We responded with a try to Rich Harrison, unconverted.

Novos were struggling to win lineout ball without their regular jumpers. With an edge in possession Gosforth were able to score a well worked team try and the game looked beyond us at 28-5.

Novos as always never gave up and Steve Neill made his third line break. However, in a tackle he sustained a broken leg. The game was abandoned.

Thanks to the Gosforth lads who were excellent, staying by Steves side until the ambulance removed him from the field of play. It was great that opponents stood side by side realising that some times there is more to rugby than the result. Rugby is a tough sport, which is perhaps why the friends you make in rugby are friends for life. It was a sad moment for Steve but great to see the two sides get together to support Steve when he needed it most.

Steve has had his leg operated on and is now on the road to recovery. Our thoughts are with Steve and his girlfriend, who is going to have to put up with him being house bound for a while !!

This week we need to get up for a match at home to Consett. Hopefully some of those unavailable will be about this week as we try to build momentum for some big games ahead.

Training at the club on Tuesday (boots and trainers) then on Thursday we are at the racecourse again on the all weather pitches.