Novos 2/3s 36, DMP Elizabethans 17

Bit of a chaotic start to proceedings with a couple of cry offs and a crash on the A1 making a few boys miss the warm up. However, we started pretty well with Matthey Russell at ten gaining some early territorial advantage.

Our first try came from their 5m lineout as it was overthrown and Daniel Sweeney plucked the ball out of the air and crashed over in a double for his first ever try for Novos. All the boys in - delighted. Conversion added by Russell to make it 7-0.

The teams were very well balanced and Elizabethans had a couple of big lads, a clever ten and two Fijian lads in the backs - one of which was a handful all day long. They made it 7-5 after we conceded some avoidable penalty's at the breakdown. Their biggest lad crashing over from a tap 5m from our line.

An enjoyable game to watch as both sides wanted to move the ball however our desire to kick the ball was instrumental all afternoon. Ollie Towe and Matthew Russell dominated field position and a kick chase opportunity won us a penalty 5 metres out. We took a quick tap and crashed over for what looked like a try but the ref awarded a penalty try for the tackler not being onside. No conversion needed 14-5.

We finished the half on top after another kick into their 22 and their lineout failed once again. Harry Mason picked up the loose ball and sprinted down the blindside to make it 19-5 Novos at half time.

Everyone on at half time and we just spoke about some discipline at the breakdown and keep working hard for each other.

Elizabethans started the stronger of the two sides as their 12 was a challenge to tackle when our defence was unstructured. They scored to close the gap to 19-10.

The game went back to and fro as we were the next to score as Charlie Lawlor made some yards up the middle. Ollie Towe rewound the ball back down the blindside for Christian Selkirk to put Tom Craven in. Novos 24-10 up.

The see saw nature continued as their Fijian lads combined for a flying dive in and conversion added - 7 points in it with 20 mins to play.

It was all us in the final quarter as we instantly replied with Mason snagging the kick off. Towe kicked a drubber into the corner and won the race to his own kick. 29-10.

Our final try was a beauty with a cross field kick fielded by Russell who turned it inside for Ross Cleminson to scorch in. Matthew Russell with the final conversion to make the final score 36-17.

Massive thanks to Nick, Andy and Tommy for helping with the running of the side.

Cheers to Elizabethan lads - great game played in good spirits.

Well done to our group - great environment. Some great displays from Tom Craven, Jez Hunt up front. Thought Ollie Towe and Matthew Russell were very influential and led beautifully. A great team performance and awesome to see Dan Vicary and Barney Youlden for the first time.

Up the Vos !