The game kicked off with Novos fielding a much changed side due to injury, holidays and six nation supporting. We were still able to put out a strong pack and a quick but untried backline. Novos started well as we controlled territory via the partially educated boot of Richard Dodd. From a lineout deep in Sunderland's territory Novos pack drove a maul sucking in the defence before releasing it to the backs. A well timed pass from Rich Harrison put in speedster Ben Forbes for a try, conversion added by Shaun Stewart. 7-0, Novos.

Despite turning over the kick off, eventually Dodd was able to get us back up the pitch. From a series of raids on the Sunderland line we earned a few penalties. Pete Twentyman decided to take a quick tap and crashed over, again converted by Stewart. Novos 14-0.

Sunderland were strong upfront and their forwards got them back into the game. We gave away a soft penalty which was kicked to the corner. The lineout was then driven in after a nice change in point of contact. Novos 14-5. A few more penalties and Sunderland were pack in our 22m. We missed to tackles near the ruck for Sunderland to score a try next to the post. Novos up 14-12 at half time.

A quick chat about tempo and working harder saw a fine start to the second half. Novos edged towards the try line and two mins of pick n go rugby finally saw Tommy Goodman drive over, Stewart converting. Novos 21-12. Kick off taken this time and Dodd who had kicked well all day put another searching kick into Sunderlands 22m. This territory led to us securing a kickable penalty which Stewart put over. Novos 24-12.

Novos were enjoying their best spell of the game against a tiring Sunderland side. Josh Stacey made huge in roads from a strong carry and then off loaded to Chris Ward. I went and got a coffee and returned to see Chris Ward still trying to get to the try line ! He fended off the full back to score a 50m try in the corner, nice. Novos 29-12.

Sunderland never gave up all day and scored of the back of a scrum to make the final score 29-17.

It was nice to see a couple of my old friends from the Sunderland Uni team I coached.

Thanks to Paul Richardson aka Tony Parlett for reffing today. Whilst we had an interesting chat in the bar afterwards I still appreciate that he chose to come and ref our game rather than do his appointed game at Blyth. Must be our brand of running rugby he likes or is it taking on the famous Novos balcony he enjoys !

The day got better as we went up to the bar to hear that the 3 and 4's had won their games for another clean sweep of victories.

This week we have a massive session on Tuesday taken by Falcons Rob Vickers and Tom Catterick, so get down and learn something new ! Then we head into Gateshead trying to continue our momentum into the cup final. See everyone at training.