Novos had a great derby win over Gosforth last week so you would expect us to be flying into this match. However, usual unavailability issues and two sessions where the numbers were great but perhaps a few key players missing. So we went into the match perhaps somewhat under prepared and thinking that match would be an easy win. This was perhaps the players point of view not mine as I know that their is never an easy game at Ryton, this was to be the case on Saturday.

Squad : Twentyman, Dias, Menzfeld, Dodds, Stacey, Smith, Merrett, Littlefair, Callaghan, Harrison, Bass, Kilgore, Mitchell L, Kay, Mack
Subs : Goodman, Wilson S, Busby (debut)

Ryton started off with the bit between their teeth, their #4 was causing a lot of damage and their centre pairing looked confident of carrying the ball. Our opponents, with a strong wind behind them scored three good tries in the first half and were well worth their lead. It was obvious that they had targeted this game as winnable and were putting a lot of energy into the opening half. Novos on the other hand looked flat as a pancake, little energy/enthusiasm which was perhaps a hangover from last weeks win over Gosforth.

Half time - Ryton up 17-0. Bearing in mind we scored 26 pts last week with the wind it was still a pretty calm chat at half time. Some changes were made to try and lift the side.

We started to apply pressure but Ryton's defensive was up for defending their lead. Gradually, Novos tried to up the tempo of the game but there were a lot of stoppages so Ryton were not tiring as we had expected. More changes as we again went in search of more energy on the field.

Finally we broke thru on 62 after some quick taps and being able to put a few long passes together. Pete Twentyman and Peter Kay were in the play two or three times getting us close to the Ryton line. Several pick n go's later Twentyman crashed over. Game on Novos 5, Ryton 17 with fifteen mins to go !

High tempo again, Rich Harrison and Matthew Kilgore distributing the ball well. Sam Busby on debut picked up the ball and put 18 year old Peter Kay in space. Gone, Kay's youthful stride to fast for the older chasers although he could have perhaps got closer to the posts ! All part of the master plan as Kay converted the try himself. Novos 12-Ryton 17 and looking fatigued.

All to play for and we had hit our straps at the right time. Forwards getting us on the front foot and backs moving the ball into space. Another run out of our 22m and the ball was shifted to Busby 60m from the line. Gone again, the defenders looked in slow motion compared to the speed of Busby who thru in a couple of side steps for good measure. Under the posts, with several of the Ryton players stranded at half way.

My pet hate occurred again ! I firmly believe that if a side is good enough to score a try your entire team should go behind the posts no matter how far they ran it in from. To make matters worse, Ryton still charged the kick which they are not entitled to do if they don't go behind the posts as a team. Still, do Laws really matter ?! Kay added the conversion - Novos 19, Ryton 17.

Still time for a bit of drama as Harrison dislocated his finger and tried to get off the field whilst Ryton were attacking. A quick shout from the coach to get back in the line and we were restored to 15 for the last play ! Ryton with an overlap looked in when Harrison made a tackle of sorts ! Top lad ! One play later and the final whistle went for a last minute, rather dirty win to Novos !

I felt a bit sorry for the Ryton lads as they gave everything for the cause but still came up short. I thought their #4 was as good as any player I have seen so far this season. However, the game is 80 mins long and whoever is ahead at the end wins !

Thanks to the ref who at least had a good laugh with the crowd and players when some of his decisions were viewed as questionable.

We have no game Saturday as Berwick have a league match and are unable to play our cup fixture. Time for a couple of the lads to rest knocks and time for a few to get some game time in the seconds. Prior to our next match we have Bonfire Night on Wednesday and need volunteers (contact Alex and Ben please lads) Also, we have a training session on Tuesday geared to our 2/3/4's before a theory session at the club on Thursday.

Well done lads, lets keep moving forward as a group.