Acklam 2's 22, Novos 2's 34 - Done the Double

With a few last minute absences, a very young Novos side, captained by Ewan Strachan, took to the field. Novos started very fast and managed to get the ball through the hands, leaving the Acklam defence scrambling. The support at the breakdown from the forwards was making it hard for Acklam to gain possession. This allowed the backs to get the ball to the wings after some quick hands from Harry Jones and Isaac Robinson allowed Ethan Morton to get into space and open the scoring. Novos found themselves in the Acklam 22 once again and following a great carry from Ollie Forster, making his senior debut, got the ball over the line.

Acklam didn’t let the game run away from themselves and were dominant in the scrums. Following some hard carries from their pack they got back into the game after 2 quick-fire try’s. Novos were exceptional in the line out, with Simeon Archibald and Ewan Strachan winning the ball at every opportunity. This allowed Novos to apply pressure to Acklam and debut boy, Max Cook, produced a fantastic solo try, weaving through the Acklam players. Michael Lehman found himself just in-front of the Acklam 22 after a nice pass from Tom Platt, the centre produced a cheeky grubber kick and following a tenacious chase was there to give Novos their 2 try lead once again.

The second half wasn’t as fruitful for the Novos as they struggled at times with the physicality of Acklam. Following one too many offsides inside Novos own 22, Alex Watson found himself on the naughty step for 10 minutes. His first ever yellow card ! Novos didn’t let this define the result, and managed to maintain their lead, albeit a lot smaller following 2 try’s from Acklam. The Novos pack caused issues for Acklam, with the likes of Josh Hood and Dave Lawson breaking the line. Novos thought they scored a try through Dave Lawson. However, the referee felt that the ball was knocked on when placing the ball. Ollie Forster got his second of the day following another great carry off the back of a maul. With the clock ticking down Dave Lawson, following his disallowed try, was determined to get on the scoresheet and with the last play, scored a try to confirm the win for Novos.

MOTM went to Dave Lawson, with special mention to Ollie Forster who excelled on his senior debut and got 2 try’s to his name. DOTD went to Ethan Morton who produced a fantastic header after a clearance kick from Acklam. A fantastic result and a lot that can be taken away for the future.

Up the ‘Vos