A much changed side ventured to Sunderland looking forward to playing on a hard and flat Ashbrooke so we could release our backs. However, we arrived to find we were playing at Hillview, a less flat, softer version of a rugby field.

No worries, training had been great and we were looking forward to seeing our two Colts play (Peter Kay and Stephen Nugent) and continued looking at other players whilst we continue our injury crisis. This week it was the turn of Ben Melrose, Michael Nugent, George Hazell and Joe Ball to win promotion from the two's.

The sun was shining but Novos were caught cold as Sunderland used their bulk to good affect. Try from a scrum in our 22m and we were down 0-5 within a few minutes.

Despite some early set piece issues we were looking dangerous in possession. A few quick taps and we lifted the tempo of the game which resulted in Jonny Ward going in his for his first try of the day. 5-5 after 15 minutes.

Sunderland were in control upfront and scored their second try after some pick n go's, conversion added. Sunderland up 12-5.

Novos backs were living off scraps but were still making breaks but perhaps trying to much and dropping a pass here and there instead of being patient. More penalties, more quick taps and we had control of the tempo again. This time Pete Twentyman took the tap and we recycled the ball well before moving the ball to Sam Busby, gone. Sam showed why he has been promoted from the two's a couple of games ago as he skinned his man and raced in under the posts allowing Peter Kay to add a simple conversion 12-12 at half time.

On came Joe Ball and Tom Dias to hopefully gain some balance upfront. However, it was Sunderland that started the second half the quickest and scored from a lineout in our 22m. Sunderland up 17-12.

We managed to turned the kick off over and Jonny Ward got the ball in space, chip and chase for a try. Score restored to 17-17 with Jonny's second try of the day. Peter Kay added the conversion and it looked like we may have the game by the scruff of the neck. Novos up 19-17.

Novos then had a few mad moments as Josh Stacey was yellow carded for in at the side of a maul. Seconds after he left the field Alex Littlefair was carded for kicking the ball in a ruck. Trouble ! Novos with only 13 men on the field conceded a try straight away and were under the cosh at 22-19 with 18 mins to play.

On came Michael Nugent for some much needed legs and we defended really well in this period to only concede one try whilst down to thirteen. Numbers restored and Novos looked like nicking the win as we started getting over the gain line with carries from Iain Dodds leading the way. On the back off some good work by the forwards Matthew Kilgore chucked a big miss pass out to Jonny Ward, gone. Jonny raced in from 60m to score under the post for Peter Kay to add an easy conversion, 26-22.

With only four mins left Novos were able to secure the kick off from Sunderland and see off the final minutes in relative comfort. Novos win 26-22.

Thanks for Mike Hodgson for taking charge of the game. Was great to see him again as I haven't seen him for a while. Still remember him carding me a few times as a player for things I obviously did not do !!

A win is a win I guess ! Loads of positives as we overcome a disrupted lead up into the game as we travelled to the playing field. Ben Melrose and George Hazell had great debuts in the centres. In addition, Stephen and Michael Nugent added some energy into the pack and Joe Ball was busy off the bench.

Pretty good result when you think we have Gus Graham, Josh Igoe, Jonny Smith, Chris Ward, Jamie Wallace, Jack Spoor, Richard Dodd, Angus Mack, Luke Mitchell, Jez Nash, Shaun Stewart, George Wilton and Steve Neill missing at the moment !!!

Next week we play Gateshead in a must win game if we are to realise our vision of staying in and around mid table. Hopefully everyone will get down to watch as it promises to be a cracking game with two quick back lines. I am however looking forward to our lads upfront showing how much we have improved against a side that dominated us upfront last year.

C'mon boys lets keep going !