Novos Push League Leaders Into Gear

The sun was shining on Sutherland Park although there was a strong breeze blowing down the ground. Novos took the field again cheered on by a big crowd bolstered by the teams injured players.

Novos not daunted by Morpeth's unbeaten start to the season and took the game to their high flying opponents. The home side were playing some well structured rugby with the forwards pick and drive resulting in numerous penalties against Morpeth. After a prolonged period of pressure from Novos pack the ball came out to the backs where James Bass, Luke Mitchell and Jonny Ward combined to send Ward in for his first try of the day.

Morpeth responded with a well worked try and a conversion to take the lead 7-5.

Novos were playing at a level not seen before, perhaps due to playing such good opponents and/or only having two changes from the side that beat Medicals a week earlier. More pressure, more penalties and the ref had no choice but to send one of the Morpeth players to the sin bin. Some moaning about this from the Morpeth contingent but the ref had no choice with 17 pens in the first, most of them against Morpeth.

Half time and Morpeth ahead 10-7 and possibly not yet focused on playing rugby. When the ref and I walked past the Morpeth huddle they were very focused on the ref. With that, perhaps an upset was on the cards.

As expected, down the hill and with the wind Morpeth kicked away too much ball. On one such occasion the ball was fielded by Angus Mack, big pass into midfield to find Jonny Ward in a lot of space. Ward took off as is his way, outpacing several defenders to go over in the corner for another first try. Novos up 10-7, sixty mins on the clock.

Despite seeing another Morpeth player sent to the sin bin for more repeated infringements Morpeth were starting to play some really good rugby. They have a very good pack and some experience up front despite having a few injured players at the moment. So it was that they were restored to 15 and found a gear that we could perhaps not cope with.

Morpeth scored 19 points in the last 20 mins to deny Novos what would have been a deserved losing bonus point. Final score 26-10.

I thought during the last 20 mins Morpeth showed why they are top of the table. However, it was great for Novos to play a side that the had not had a league fixture against for 20 years. I am sure that Morpeth will win the league comfortably but on this showing Novos should be proud that they put them under pressure for 60 mins.

Thank you to the ref for travelling from Leicestershire to ensure they game took place. Both coaches were perhaps concerned with the amount of penalties but if the players don't listen then he will keep whistling.

Despite defeat the club was jumping afterwards as we heard that our other three sides had been victorious. To end the night we welcomed our new players with beer and curry provided by the club.

Big 4-5 games ahead of Novos against opposition we are capable of beating, starting with Gosforth this Saturday ! Tasty.