Big Effort From Novos Despite Defeat

The game kicked off in very blustery conditions at Sutherland Park. Novos started very well with the wind at their back as Rich Harrison controlled field position nicely via his boot.
Novos spent the first ten minutes of the game in the Guisborough 22m but could not come away with points despite all their pressure. After repelling numerous attacks Guisborough turned the ball over and went 80m to score a fine team try against the run of play. 7-0 Guisborough.
Again, Novos were camped around the oppositions red zone due to the lineout functioning well in trying conditions and a solid scrum platform. This time Novos came away with three points courtesy of a Shaun Stewart penalty. Guisborough 7-3 but Novos with their tails up.
However, it was at this stage that Guisborough took control of the match as their off load game started to get in behind our defence and we fell off a few tackles towards the end of the half. This allowed Guisborough to stretch out to a 19-3 lead by half time.
With a strong wind behind them, 2nd placed Guisborough could have been expected to run away with things. Novos however, kept going and showed a greater discipline this week and made Guisborough work for their scores. They scored three very good tries in the second half and showed why I think they are favourites for the title this season.
The game was played in great spirit and was competitive throughout. The only negative perhaps being that we would have beaten Blyth last week if we had have had this level of discipline and effort. On that note I thought the ref Simon O'Neill was excellent and controlled the game beautifully. I would happily have him each week in the knowledge that the best team would win on each occasion.
Despite the defeat and losing Kit Sorenson to the injury list, we had a great fines session in the changing rooms afterwards with the victorious 2's. The night got even better when the 3's returned to tell us of their victory. So four sides out, two wins and a game of Testo Twister so it turned out to be a great Saturday for the club.
Next week we are away at Rovers and again looking to put out four sides ! An achievement which is the envy of surrounding clubs. Prior to this we are training on Tuesday at Druids Park with our try scoring Falcon, Rob Vickers. Then Thursday we try to get ready for the four upcoming games in the weekend.
Keep it up Vos !