Novos 2's 42, Morpeth 22 - Road to the final still open

The boys arrived in good spirits despite being denied a day alongside the first team who should've been playing in the Plate Final after the Senior Final was won with Alnwick beating Northern.

Despite our mood Morpeth started the stronger and scored after some strong carries but if anything it just stirred the beast. Playing into the wind Morpeth played into our hands kicking the ball to our dangerous backs which saw some great kick returns by Greg Wills, Zinzan Fraser and Jack Povey.

A quick tap in Morpeth's 22m saw Shaun Stewart crash over. Conversion added by current colt Josh Farley to put us in the lead. One which we wouldn't give up all afternoon.

Our second try was a nice score with a wide pass from Barney Youlden putting Shaun Stewart in space. He carried the ball up to the line and put Simeon Archibald into a hole. The back rower then sprinted almost 60m to score under the posts. Conversion again added by Josh Farley for 14-5.

We went further ahead as Alex Waston got us over the gain line then a great line break by Isaac Robinson. He slipped an off load David Medjigbodo-Lawson and the mobile tighthead ran it in from 40m out. Conversion under the posts added by Farley 21-5.

Next try was a classic 8/9/14 as a slick off load by Alex Watson allowed Barney Youlden to put Zinzan Fraser in space. Patiently he maintained possession despite the line break. From the ruck the ball was moved to Ollie Forster who skinned his opposite number on the outside too run it in from 30 out. Conversion added by Farley for 28-5.

Morpeth finished the half with a good try on the stroke of half time to make it 28-12 with the wind now at our backs. All the bench on as as we ensured everyone got some game time and backed the subs to make an impact.

Morpeth started the second half were they finished off and finally started to play how they should've all game - ball up the jumper stuff. They were much bigger than us with some gnarly vets in their pack. They kept for possession for long periods, earning penalties and moving up the pitch before crashing over to bring it back to 28-17.

We had lost our focus during this period - moaning about some off the ball stuff and disagreeing with decisions. Eventually, we got our focus back as Barney Youlden kicked us into position. From a quick Christian Selkirk tap we put Alex Cokeley over with a lovely conversion added by Shaun Stewart for 35-17.

Morpeth showed plenty of fight all afternoon and refused to give up the game. Their big second eight targeted two of our front rowers in the middle of the park and burst down field. Andre Agwu raced back making up a huge head start to bring down their big lad. However, they recycled possession to score and stay in the game at 35-22.

Novos had the final say despite being down to 14 as Alex Cokeley was rightly yellow carded for a high tackle. A lot of moaning from their lads but it was a reasonable hit that he just got slightly wrong - part of the game unfortunately. The try came after another quick tap from Christian Selkirk and a behind the back off load for Shaun Stewart to walk in under the posts. Drop kick conversion added by the try scorer to make the final score 42-22.

Cheers to the Morpeth lads - won the tattoo off about 47-0 but I think you taught our youngsters a lot about gamesmanship at the breakdown, physical toughness in contact and the hospitality afterwards was top notch.

Cheers Lindsay for reffing - some great decisions in what was a high scoring affair.

Richard of the Day - Tommy Wilson Snr for pulling his calf during his first water carrying duties of the day.
Coaches Man of the Match - Dylan Mills for an outstanding lineout display, great work ethic all afternoon.

Next week we have Tynedale at home with a win securing us a cup final on the 27th.

Up the Vos !