2nds hit form

Many wondered if taking promotion to the CANDY league was the right move for Novos, with the clubs first team in Durham and Northumberland Division 2, Novos are on paper the most junior side in the competition. Up to now a solitary narrow win over Gosforth was all they had to show for plenty of effort and whilst Ponteland had not fared much better they were still in mid table having picked up 3 wins and a fair number of bonus points against the big sides.

Pont could have been forgiven for strolling into Novos expecting an easy time given the league table and that Novos had 5 sides in operation. There were also mass changes to the regular team, the first team had plundered prop Gus Graham, injuries to back rows Jordan Robinson, Martin Blight and Adam Burbridge and unavailability of regular centre Sam Burnside so it was testament to Novos strength in depth to call on players from the thirds who had been pushing hard to step up... They didnt disappoint!

Young half backs Justin Taylor and Jack Callaghan came in to the side with Skipper Chris Fife moving to centre with Rich Mitchell and George Hazell came in on the wing with Tom Lewin and Ben Alves also new to the squad on the bench.

The warm up was awful and gave no indication of what was to come as with so many new players it was a case of getting to know each other, skipper Fife admitted to being nervous having watched a stuttering game of touch and poor execution of the moves but it was a different Novos that kicked off at 2:15pm than had meandered about for an hour previous.

Novos were straight into the action pressuring Ponteland posession and attacking with intent with notable carrying from Liam Pape, Michael Reidy operating as an emergency number 8 and Andy Gardiner.

Opportunities were on offer for both sides and Ponteland had their fare share in an opening ten minutes, the best chances fell Novos way but the last pass just wouldn't stick. Then on 10 minutes Callaghan saw space wide and launched a crossfield kick with potent accuracy and Aaron Worthington scooped it up and found Richie Mitchell on the loop around and he drew his defender to send James Bass (Basey) flying into the corner for an unconverted try.

This really buoyed Novos and Novos increased the pressure, the forwards returned the kick off with real gusto and though Pont defended strongly Novos were in the ascendency and more passes were going to ground as chances went begging. Jack Callaghan who was enjoying an impressive debut at second team level then took it on himself to score after dummying through and darting into a minimal of space to score.

Pont continued the defencive effort and almost got back in the game when on a rare foray into Novos territory they created an overlap, Quick thinking from Worthington led to a big smash tackle and Matt Miles was on hand to strip the ball, Novos moved it wide and Hazell beat his man and offloaded out of the tackle to Reidy who set up a ruck which Justin Taylor won quick ball and moved it wide for Liam Pape to pop up in the centre and score under the posts, Basey converting for a solid 17-0 half time lead.

The second half kicked off and within minutes the bonus point was in the bag, Debutant George Hazell steaming over from 25 yards beating 3 would be tacklers, Basey again adding the extras.

Moments later Basey kicked a penalty and Novos were in total control.

Ben Alves and Tom Lewin were introduced to the action and with Lewins first touch he fielded a clearance kick and showed he has mountains of pace as he returned and simpy out gassed the Ponteland defence to score a sensational try from 50 yards.

James Bass (Basey) then repeated the trick fielding a kick and returning, putting in a chip kick and collecting to score his second of the day. That lad just does everything himself!

There was time for captain Chris Fife to waltz over beating 2 men and almost passing before realising he was over the whitewash!

and finally Liam Pape got his second threw more hard running off the shoulder of Callaghan.

Final Score: Novos 48 Ponteland 0
Man Of the Match: Jack Callaghan

The new boys came in and did an excellent job and regular players might just have to get down to training and work hard to dislodge those who have come in.

This was a quality result and an improving Novos side gave notice that we arent just here to make up the numbers in the CANDY league!!

A tough trip to League leaders Tynedale/Corbridge Centurions next on 8th December - if we can keep our squad together and get some of those absent back in contention we are in a great place and capable of springing a surprise, its essential though that a side that has used 70 players already this season starts to settle into a regular XV but talent wise this second team have much to look forward to.