Still top - but only just

Novos picked up a crucial losing bonus point against Gateshead in the top of the table clash in the River Aln league on Saturday afternoon thanks to a late converted try from Jason Mcdermott.

Mcdermott pounced on a late on to scamper in for a try under the posts to ensure Novos remain on top of the league and in charge of their own destiny with 2 games in hand over their rivals

Mcdermott kept a steely nerve to nail his own conversion and help his side to a valuable point.

Novos started the game the brighter, spurning 3 try scoring opportunities before the backs carved out an opening for Jack Watkins to 'score' in the corner after grounding the ball the Gateshead player tackled jack into touch - the touch judge awarded the try but the referee over ruled after being surrounded by unhappy Gateshead players!!

Wave after wave of Novos attacks were repelled by Gateshead meaning with 20 minutes gone Novos had no choice but to take 3 points on offer from the boot of Jason Mcdermott. Gateshead began to come into the game more with their heavier pack beginning to assert themselves and they began to put some pressure on Novos defence. Novos were guilty of ball watching for Gateshead's opening try from their giant centre who was given the freedom of Eastwood gardens to roam in for a score but the conversion was missed. Moments later Gateshead struck again this time from the boot of Adam Houston following a penalty. The rest of the half was all Gateshead - they were clearly fired up now and Novos only had themselves to blame after dominating early they had allowed Gateshead back into the game. Thankfully Novos improved defencively and turned around only 8 - 3 behind.

Early in the 2nd half disaster was to strike, Novos were lethargic in defence and another break through the centres punished Novos with another Gateshead try under the posts, temporarily putting Gateshead top of the league as the conversion from Houston sailed over. This seemed to be a wake up call for Novos, With the clock ticking down Novos threw everything at the Gateshead rearguard but a combination of strong defence, very strong Gateshead scrummaging, white line fever and some frankly bizarre refereeing decisions denied Novos until the 70th minute when scrum half Jason Mcdermott struck and converted his own try. The final ten minutes were frantic. Novos looked like they would snatch at least a draw in the final ten minutes as the backs started to carve openings- Bradford, Merrett and Watkins all going close before one moment where space was created outside for Joe Stamper who rounded his man and took off toward the try line, only for the referee to pull play back for a 'foot in touch' signalled by the touch judge (A gateshead lad) - The ref deciding to stick with the touch judge decision on this occasion!! Novos had more chances but went for the line instead of the pass to the overlaps and eventually were isolated allowing Gateshead to win a penalty and boot the ball out of play and win the game.

This was a game Novos should have won, but they didn't - it offers Gateshead a glimmer of hope of catching us in the league but with Novos having 2 games in hand and Gateshead having to play a very tough Sunderland game the league title remains Novos to lose.

Four remaining games now to put things right, Consett (If they ever get back to us to rearrange!) Ashington, Blyth and Ryton now need our full attention and Novos need to take this as a wake up call that the league aint won yet.

Availability and training attendance are key to any successful side and we need this to show through in the closing 6 weeks of the season