Game of two halves.( notes from the stand in skipper)

After a long trip to the northernmost rugby club in the country the mighty 3rds arrived in Berwick with not only words of wisdom abound but with the average age only raised above 12 by the appearance of a second row who has kids older than some of his team mates. The Bears we were told were going to be anything from absolute rubbish to world beaters, but from seeing their warm up across from us they looked to be well drilled and playing on home soil well up for the game ahead. Novo's on the other hand seemed to be slow in the warm up and after looking around seemed to be well covered in the forwards but in the backs we were just able to cover the positions once with no back up. Typically then that within 5 minutes of the start we lost Justin Taylor to a broken nail or something and a regroup was needed.

Hats off then to a number of the younger members of the squad who put their hands up and were not only prepared to play out of position but looked like they belonged there. Well in the end perhaps. The first half started with Berwick playing hard strong forward dominated rugby. Their set play was working well and they kept the score board ticking over. 3 tries and two conversions later and the half time whistle blown Novo's were 19 -0 down and words were needed to be said.

A few changes were made and Novo's had back row forwards in the centres and the wing and a second row at full back, ( no not me!!!!). We were asked to play in 5 minute segments and it was working, we started to play with aggression and with forward ball and set ball now being won long periods of play were now in Berwick's 22. It was taking time but patience was asked for and finally this patience was rewarded. Richie Mitchell used his speed and skill to dance through a number of tackles with steps that Fred Astaire would have been proud of. ( or should that have been Ann Widdcombe?) Anyway Novo's were now refusing to be intimidated and with plenty of ball in hand and the rucking finally working in our favour we were playing attractive rugby.

After another camping session in the opposition 5 meter area a charge down then subsequent pile over was achieved and another 7 points was put on our score, (sorry I forgot who took the credit for this one). Berwick were now rattled and after further words of encouragement offered there was only one team in it, however we still needed to gain the right to own the pill and the fitness of our young ones was telling. With about 10 mins to go and total dominance in the line out a good forwards try was the next score. Brute force and ignorance the only way to go, Neil Venables getting up from the bottom with ball in hand. 19 -19 Game on.........

With 2 minutes to go a difference of minds happened with the result a penalty to Novo's. Christian Selkirk placed a superb kick to 5 meters out. Berwick who had competed every line out then made the decision to not compete and only defend, however they then took a step back leaving Andy Gardiner to drive on after a great take. The forwards rucked over causing the Berwick winger in off his line to stop the drive but leaving space for the captain to flop/fall/trip over in the corner. As the ball hit the ground and Novo's celebrated the refs whistle went and the win was secured. ( conversion missed but who cared 19-24)

After a few weeks involved in games that were one sided both in our favour and against it was highly enjoyable to play in a game that went all the way to the wire and thanks must go to Berwick for that. Also well done to all 18 players who never gave up even when the game looked lost and thanks for making an old man very happy on the long trip home.

Man of the match was very close but for his all round game and playing completely out of position for the majority of the game it goes to Oli Baines.