Tynedale 21, Novos 2's 12

Going into this fixture, the 2’s had been on a cracking run of form, putting in big performances and seeing off the likes of Morpeth and Alnwick in recent weeks. With that being said, the lads knew they were going to be up against it facing a strong Tynedale side in tough conditions.

Tynedale flew out the blocks and caught us napping. We could not get out of our own half and were coughing up the ball whenever we had it. The pressure eventually told and Tynedale were able to cross for a fairly straightforward try down the middle.

This acted as a wake-up call as the lads fronted up and started to repel the Tynedale attack. However, we were struggling to get to grips with the referee’s whistle, which allowed Tynedale to stay camped in our half. After a long period of defence, in which there was a monstrous try saving tackle from debutant Dan Vicary, the pressure eventually told and Tynedale were able to squeeze over for a try in the far corner.

Tynedale got their try but they’d thrown the kitchen sink at us to get it and were clearly tired. Novos meanwhile were ticked off at conceding and used this frustration to attack the restart with an energy that Tynedale could not live with. Strong carrying from our backrow, with debutant Simeon Archibald in particular showing great hustle and determination, started to lift our attack and give us a much needed foothold in the game.

Novos were now doing all the attacking and the pressure eventually told with some great play from the forwards. After some big carries from the likes of Tom Craven and Charlie Lawlor, the ball fell to Charlie Muse who was able to offload to Ben Rogers to dive over for the try. Debutant Harry Jones duly added the 2 points and Novos were back in the game!

An unfortunate yellow card to debutant Zinzan Frazer did little to change the game as Novos continued to control the ball. The loss of Zinzan meant that debutant Adam Lambert (in his first game at 15) and Dan Vicary had more work to do in the backfield, but both did so excellently and sniffed out any threats out wide or kicks in behind.

Novos lineout was picking the Tynedale lineout apart and strong scrummaging from Charlie Lawlor and Vuyo Nossa-Yabantu meant we were in control at scrum time. This gave us the platform to build pressure in the Tynedale half and find ourselves on their 5m line. The forwards did a great job of carrying close to the ruck and drawing in multiple defenders. This created a bit of space out wide for Elliot Smith to bust through 2 tacklers and dot the ball down for a well earned try. With the conversion missed the half ended 14-12 to Tynedale, but Novos felt like they were in the ascendancy.

The second half did not live up to the first half with both teams struggling to keep a hold of the ball as the pitch deteriorated into a mud-bath. Due to the conditions the game became a scrum fest, which suited Tynedale as their scrum got stronger as the half wore on. A great defensive read from Mr Novos Shaun Stewart stopped a dangerous attack early in the 2nd half, however the pressure eventually told and despite some excellent scramble defence Tynedale were able to dot down under the posts and make the conversion. The game finished 21 – 12 and was a fair reflection given Tynedale’s control of the game in the second half.

Despite the loss, the Novos lads can hold their heads high and take a lot of positives from this game. Firstly it was great to see 5 players making their debut, with every single one of them fronting up well in difficult conditions against a tough team. Simeon in particular stood out and was in contention for Man of the Match. Zac Smith was excellent yet again and continues to have a standout breakout season in men’s rugby. However, Man of the Match goes to Charlie Muse who was a bundle of ferocious energy on both attack and defence from the opening whistle of the game.

Next, we welcome Border Park RFC for a Friday Night Lights game for what should be another tough game. The boys will be hurting after this loss and raring to put things right.

Up the Vos!