Durham City closed out a win in a close affair at Sutherland Park. The score was 10-7 with ten mins to go before our opponents stretched it to 24-7. Novos put in a huge effort against a top three opponent as their tenacious defence caused City to make a lot of handling errors.

On a windy day at Sutherland Park Novos had the wild conditions in their favour early on. However, it was Durham City that scored the first try after a counter attack of nearly 80m after a turnover at a Novos ruck. City up 5-0.

The game was very tight with both packs gaining an advantage at various stages throughout the match. After a solid scrum from Novos the backs (not perfectly) executed a complicated planned move which confused the City defence. Then Matthew Kilgore threw a long pass to a flying Johnny Ward, try time in the corner. The crowd then saw one of the kicks of the season as Shaun Stewart put the conversion over from the touch line in very windy conditions. Novos up 7-5.

City are a top side and responded well to going behind. On the back of a break in midfield their forwards carried well before finally crashing over for a half time lead of 10-7.

We were delighted with our first half efforts and were making City give up possession a lot. Into the wind second half but we were encouraged by the fact that we were still in the game against a side that put 50 points on us last time out.

The second half started as the first one ended with City having more of the ball but continuing to cough it up. From 50-65 mins we perhaps started to edge the scrum battle and our backs were looking threatening, especially Sam Busby who was making huge metres the wing. Unfortunately, we were unable to score during this period of dominance.

With ten mins to go we suffered a lapse of concentration as we lost a lineout near our line and City went over in the corner, conversion added. City ahead 17-7. Perhaps in knowing that the game was gone City scored again via another break in midfield. Final score 24-7.

Was great to see the City boys stop for a few beers afterwards before sampling the city night life. Pleased to see some old friends that I used to play against whilst at Westoe/Gateshead and also a couple who were in Durham County sides I coached.

Thanks to the lads who came in to help us out (Johnny Smith, Euan Binmore, Andrew Maxwell) enabling the two's and three's to go into their cup finals without disruption. All three had great games.

Thanks also to Tony Parlett for taking charge of the match. There was a few times I saw him look up in anger at the balcony and rightly so. Occasionally, I get a little bit embarrassed by some of the things shouted from the balcony. I know they are entitled to have their opinions I just wish they would concentrate on supporting the players at times. I thought Tony whistled the collapsed mauls really well and had a good rapport with the players. Whilst I was surprised a couple of times by lack of advantage it certainly didn't have an impact on the game.

Next week sees our last game with Darlington visiting Sutherland Park. It will be a long break during the off season so it is vital that the last thing we remember is a home victory ! The 2's have their Candy Cup Final so hopefully they will win the clubs first silverware of the season shortly followed by confirmation of the 3's league title.