Match Report

With it being a month since the last time Novos 2’s played a Candy League match, and after three weeks of postponed matches because of bad weather, everyone was relieved to hear that the game away at Durham City was to go ahead. Even after another week of great numbers making it to training Novos were struggling to find a full squad, and with help from the 3’s and the inclusion of a couple of new players, as well as an old face in Paul Jackson, Novos travelled down to Durham with just 16 players.

After what seemed like an 80 minute walk to get to the designated pitch, Novos got down to business and after a short sharp warm up got straight in to it with an excellent try after 3 minutes coming from a good break by debutant Rich Dodds, to put fellow debutant Ieuan Jones in, and Will Griffee adding with the conversion. This strong start rather set the tone for the afternoon with Novos looking strong and organised up front, with the backs running freely with ball in hand. It was only another 7 minutes before Dodds took the ball at inside centre and waltzed straight through the Durham defence to make it 0-12. Novos continued to dominate possession and were rewarded once again after 22 minutes with a try from Andy Gardiner coming from some brilliant hands in the backs. Only minutes after the restart Novos stretched their lead to 0-22 after a slippery darting run from James McKenzie. Jones was able to add another try with a fantastic run from the half way line after receiving the ball from a Durham kick to make it 0-27 which is where the score stayed until half-time.

After an extremely positive first half, Novos began to give away far too many penalties in the second half. Luckily however they were able to dominate around the park and create a number of turn overs to regain possession. The Novos forwards kept working hard, with Sam Dixon and Oli Baines putting in numerous tackles, and the front three making good ground with the ball in hand. It was another try by Jones after a good run from Euan Binmore (which may have been in touch) that too the score to 0-32. Shortly after, and from a brilliantly stolen scrum by captain of the day JP Addison, Novos were able to quickly ship the ball through the hands to put James Bass in for another try which he converted himself to make it 0-39. As if that was not enough, Jones once again teamed up with Binmore to run in for another try to make it 4 tries on debut, and after a conversion from Binmore, take the final score to 0-46.

It was a fantastic show from Novos, who certainly should have scored at least three tries more, who have finally gotten the reward they deserve for all the hard work they are putting in. There were great performances all round today, however there some stand-out displays from Dixon, Gardiner, Addison, McKenzie, Dodds, and man of the match, Ieuan Jones.

Next week Novos 2’s make the trip to Berwick to play the Cup Semi-Final which was postponed last week - let’s see everyone at training!