Match Report

In week 26 of the season, Novos were able to reschedule the recently postponed Northumberland County Junior Cup QF away against Berwick Bears. Novos were gratefully granted a bus for their trip to the border town, and were of course greeted with a hail storm on their arrival.

With a longer than usual warm up under their belts and the rain and hail clearing just in time, Novos, once again led by JP Addison, kicked off down the hill and immediately set about stamping their dominance on the game. Playing like a team possessed, and after possibly their best start to a match all season, Novos found themselves 0-14 up after just 12 minutes as Ryan Collins-Thomas and Josh Floyd ran in the first tries of the afternoon and Jack Callaghan was able to convert both. Novos high-tempo attacking plays and excellent counter rucking was rewarded shortly after with Mike Cousins barrelling across the Berwick line twice in quick succession, and Callaghan again converting both tries, to put Novos 0-28 up after 20 minutes. Novos only had to wait another 6 minutes before Will Griffee was able to add with a score of his own out on the right wing, and a further 10 minutes later the quick feet of James McKenzie saw him dance through the Berwick defence to take the score to 0-38 at half-time.

Eager to get on with the game and with few criticisms to make during the half-time team talk, Novos got straight back into it with the addition of replacements Neil Spence and Tommy Wilson Junior. Berwick, obviously not going down without a fight, piled the pressure on Novos and forced a handful of errors and penalties from the travelling side; however even playing up the hill, Novos were able to keep them out. Some excellent and relentless hard work from the Novos pack who dominated the scum and forced countless turnovers, gave the backs the platform they have been looking for all season, and they did not disappoint with ball in hand. Clearly enjoying themselves, and with their confidence high, Jack Callaghan ran the show with his bloody nose, and 15 minutes into the half converted a try of his own. Even after losing full-back Griffee with a knock to the head, Novos capitalised on a tiring Berwick and the final 20 minutes saw James Bass run in a hat-trick of top tries, all of which were excellently converted by Callaghan, to take the final score to 0-66.

As Novos progress through to the semi-final to face either Rockcliffe Vikings or Blyth 2’s, thanks must go to Berwick Bears for hosting us so admirably, as we later found out that the Bears had only played a handful of fixtures this season.

In a match where every Novos player gave 100%, particular mentions should go to Andy Gardiner, Josh Floyd, Paul Jackson, James McKenzie, Will Griffee, and man of the match Jack Callaghan for some exceptional performances.

Next week sees Novos 2’s travel alongside the 1’s to Hartlepool in a return to the Candy League C so let’s see everyone at training throughout the week.