Super Seconds shut Gosforth out to get the win!

Novos were back on home turf for the visit of old rivals Gosforth with games already coming thick and fast for the seconds it was important to arrest the pattern of hard luck stories that had seen them fight valiantly but ultimately slide to the foot of the table with 4 straight defeats.

Naming a full 21 man squad was a welcome start, but the issues on Tyne and Wear Metro added to Skipper Fife's ever increasing grey hair when several players were delayed.

The warm up was positive despite the issues and Novos kicked off into the wind and were straight on the the offensive, Sam Dixon and Jordan Robinson leading an aggressive chase to win the ball and drive into Gosforth to force an early turn over. Despite the roaring start Gosforth were able to recover and clear.

Novos continued to press and went close to opening the scoring when a typical bullocking run from Martin Blight handed an opportunity to Robinson who went through several tackles before being stopped just short.

Gosforth gave notice of their danger when a break from their centre from deep in his own 22 almost saw him go the length of the pitch, only a determined chase from Darren McCrory and Lawrence Goodman stopped Novos falling behind.

Joe Stamper was playing superbly at 9, marshalling his forwards and sniping and harrying all day long giving his opposite number a torrid time. Quick thinking at penalties saw him make yards before offloading to Sam Dixon who set up play in Gosforths half before controlled work in the forwards created space for Chris Fife to work some space through the middle for Tom Steele but again Gosforth's defence was impressive.

Gosforth then got on the attack but Novos were in mean mood defencively and were putting in some monster tackles and forcing errors from Gosforth, a break out run from Gus Graham saw a wonderful passage of Novos play, offloading and finding support runners, Jordan Robinson, Matt Miles, Lawrence Goodman and Martin Blight all driving powerfully forward before Stamper released the back line, Richy Moat broke through the defence and his off load found prop James Forbes in good support only to see the ball slip agonisingly out of his hands with the try line beckoning.

The ensuing scrum allowed Gosforth to clear but only as far as Goodman who tore back into Gosforth with a powerful run and great hands along the backline set speedster Darren McCrory away to score the opening try on 30 minutes. Thanks to no kicking tee, Lawrence Goodman couldn't add the conversion.

The score remained tight until half time. Martin Blight was replaced by Stew Wilson, who appearing shirtless, all hair and stacked with rippling muscles that seemed to produce a few moments of fear in Gosforth's forwards.

The second half was a tough uncompromising battle both sides running good lines but both defences water tight, a great smash run through the centres by Tom Steele almost carved space for Richie Mitchell but when he was stopped short Novos were awarded a penalty under the posts due to Gosforth encroaching offside. Goodman slotted the penalty to ensure Gosforth needed 2 scores to win.

Richy Moat and Darren McCrory made way for Jason Mcdermott and Brian Keith on 60 minutes Jason attempted to recreate the Wilson effect by appearing shirtless, though perhaps lacking the Neanderthal effect.

There was time for Skipper Fife to make a right hash of a penalty choosing to run the ball but what can only be described as an abject failure to in hand eye co-ordination led to a scrum back!

With the game petering out, Dave Addison and Mark Curphey entered the fray for James Forbes and Neil Spence, as the game petered out Gosforth thought they had scored a try when a loose ball was grounded 5 metres short - as the 'try scorer celebrated, quick thinking Brian Keith simply picked up the ball and made off down the pitch with it doing well not to even giggle.

Gosforth were throwing everything at Novos now and when the 6 ft 5 18 stone Gosforth 2nd row took a crash ball his eyes opened wide with delight as he saw 5 ft 5 13 stone hooker Matt Miles in his way with 20 yards to the try line, both players accelerated into the contact in a David V Goliath showdown, It was the little lad from Ilkley who came out on top, absolutely smashing the big lad and knocking him into next week with a superb hit up tackle that felled the giant and left him grounded for a good 2 minutes afterwards. Darren McCrory now comentating with 'Sit Down, Big Fella' booming out around Sutherland Park in a Northern Irish lilt!

This was a great win for Novos second string and further fortified Sutherland Park as a miserable place for the Green and Whites. The last time Novos played Gosforth at second team level they were humbled by 70 points - the current side won through with grit and determination to secure a creditable win.

Man of the match was shared with both Joe Stamper and Lawrence Goodman shining on a day of excellent performances from the whole squad.

Special mention and apologies to Tommy Wilson Jr who didnt get on the pitch from the bench.