Novos 2nd XV 64 - 0 Consett 2nd XV

The Super 2s pulled out a fine team performance to beat Consett 2nd team at Sutherland Park by 64-0, to record their first win in the new Candy League 1.5.

The day had an ominous start as the rain began to pour at the meet time, this clearly had an effect on the team as the majority of them turned up late (fines still due). In fact, there was speculation that Ben Merrett was sat in this car for 30 minutes waiting for a gap in the weather.

In talks prior to the game, a poor warm up was diagnosed as a major reason for recent poor performances, and it was clear that the boys were keen to correct this, as there was visible focus and clarity from the outset.
This determination was transferred to the game as Novos came out of the blocks flying, securing possession and really taking the game to Consett in attack.

Early possession and territory finally told, as Angus Duncan dotted down after some slick hands capitalised on an overlap.
Novos maintained the pressure and kept Consett pinned in their own half, who couldn’t clear their lines for love nor money. George Hazell secured his first try after some characteristic strong running.

Another reassurance was that Novos’ set piece was firing again, after a couple of so-so performances. However, George Davison and Rob Murphy controlled the line out well, and the pack scrummage with real gusto. This was abundantly clear when the forwards got a stunt in the Consett 22, and Davison picked from the base, timing his Sonny Billesk offload to perfection to pick out our erstwhile Captain Ben Melrose running his signature dummy line, only to find himself over the whitewash with the ball in his hands.

Unfortunately, Davison had to leave the field of play after taking a knock in the build-up to the Melrose try, however carried well in his 20-minute cameo (or as I would call it, a full game). However, the grumpy old man that is Oliver Dearden was on the bench to capably replace him, he didn’t know what position he was playing but was just happy to be there.

George Hazell manage to squeeze in another try before Consett forwards came into the game. Despite the dominate attacking display shown thus far, Novos’ most impressive period came in defence, with tenacious tackling on display and a collective will to keep the opposition off the scoreboard, which also has also been lacking in 2016. One particular refereeing decision may have benefitted Novos, however they were happy to take the rough with the smooth.

After 10 minutes of intense pressure, camped on Novos’ own line, Consett coughed up the ball, and Novos’ began the process of regaining the territorial advantage.

Just before half time Novos found themselves back in a familiar area, the oppositions 22, and after some patience build up play, an overlap was created which Greg Humphreyson duly ignored and exploited some weak inside defence to crash over.
In the half time huddle, the boys were insatiable, as despite the vast improvement in performance, they were not happy with the amount of turnovers that were conceded from try scoring opportunities. Changes were made, most prominent of which was Billy Porter making his debut.

In the second half, Consett were visibly more tired, and Novos more mobile forwards enjoyed getting more ball in hand to run with. No more so that Ben Merrett who ensured his customary try per game in the 49 minute.
Next came the finest individual try of the game, as George Hazell secured his hat trick by only beating 14 men to score a 60 metre scorcher. He obviously didn’t realise he has scored a hat trick until after the game, as he bolted without having a shower (obtaining further fines on top of his jug).

The game opened up further, as Novos’ pacey backs (Melrose came off at half time) identified gaps in the three quarter line. On one such occasion Ben Kelly ghosted through to get his name on the team sheet, ably assisted by Alex Milton (which he deemed a good enough moment to sub himself off on). Ben Forbes was soon to follow, however suffered a crushed left testicle for his efforts, he then proceeded to re-enact the scene from Team America and vomited a comically large amounts on the side of the pitch.
Tommy Goodman capped off the game with the fanciest of footwork to secure a comprehensive win.
On the whole it was a massively improved performance, and a great benchmark to set ourselves for future fixtures in this league. It was a comprehensive team performance with every man from 1 to 15 putting a shift in.

Some stand out performances were; George Hazell who was unstoppable with ball in hand, Ben Merrett who was impressive as always, Luke Menzfeld and Johnny Bird epitomised the hard work that was needed up front, Alex Caldwell showed some classy distribution skills and started some of Novos’ most promising moves. However, the International Syalons man of match Greg Humphreyson showed capable game management and marshalled the troops from the off. He even succeed in a chip and chase in one deluded moment.

There is still some work to do at the breakdown to counteract the number of turnovers conceded however onwards and upwards for the game against Alnwick at home next week.

Jack Spoor