The mighty republic succumbed to solid Sunderland

The mighty republic succumbed to solid Sunderland:
The mighty republic convened once again this Saturday in what was less than perfect rugby conditions, in what promised to be a messy game of rugby plagued with handling errors and many stoppages.
The mighty republic were out to right the wrongs that occurred the previous Saturday against a very well drilled Morperth side. We had some new faces joining us in battle this week with James Bass filling in at 15 for the dropped David Marshall, and James Parkinson coming in on the Wing. We also had few returning faces in the likes of Greg Humphreyson to organise the troops with his unique accent, and Jamie Wallace at second row who was very impressive in his only 3s appearance this season against Alnwick.
The meet as normal was a strict 12:30pm which as per was violated by more than the half the team, ensuring many fines later in the day which was well spent on multiple jugs of beer. It was a bitterly cold day, where we saw usual front row diva Shaun O’Connell spend the first hour in the changing room due to the ungodly temperature outside. We also saw him for the first time this season wear actual rugby socks, unfortunately covering that beautiful ankle bracelet he religiously wears from his couples retreat last summer.
The warm up progressed in its usual manner with a very unorganised game of touch, with players joining in drips and drabs, and where the forwards think they can play like backs adding more comical value. Sunderland rocked up looking very keen and eager to avenge the 76-7 rout we inflicted on their 3s earlier this season, they started with a very intensive warm up and it was clear to see from the outset they meant business.
Finally kick off was upon us with all the troops ready for battle, the first 10 minutes were very much the repeat of the nightmare we had against Morperth the previous week. Hopefully this will not turn into an unwelcome tradition where we only start playing after the ten minute mark! The only saving grace was Greg Humphreyson’s very impressive penalty kick to get us on the board. In all honesty Sunderland’s second try was pretty spectacular, their winger breaking from our 22 and delicately chipping James Bass with a clever kick collecting and scoring in the corner. Novos toiled and tried to create openings in the loose, but Sunderland’s defence was resolute and very difficult to break down. This was not helped by poor Handling skills by the backs and the forwards failing to win the majorities of our line outs. The only notable highlight for Novos in the first half, for all the wrong reasons, was when Greg kicked the ball up field to only find the right side of Parkinson’s face, at least that provided a short laugh in an otherwise dull and error some first half. Sunderland managed to score a third try by going through the phases and eventually breaking down our tired defence, and then half time was upon us with the score at 18:3 to Sunderland.
The second half promised to allow us more opportunities to attack and gain territory as we were going downhill with the wind. This was shown early on where Dan Hipps stole Sunderland’s ball at the line out and appeared to be clean through, only for the Ref to call the play back as a Sunderland player had knocked it on, it begs the question why advantage was not played! There appeared to be more direction in our attack in this half, which was very much down to the introduction of Andrew Maxwell who showed his experience and skill to order round the forwards and distribute quick and efficient ball to the backs. Greg made way for loose cannon Selkirk, who came on to try and win the game all by himself, because (apparently) he is that good. Kane Deakin made a welcome return to the People’s Republic with an effective display in the back row. Novos were continually knocking on the door, however, Sunderland remained resolute in defence and thwarted us every time. John Marshall was final the substitute to come on after being told to warm up on four separate occasions, with the intention to bring more energy in a tiring back line. The most interesting play of the second half was the moment James Bass decided to take his own line out, which ended up being a hospital pass to Nick Byrne going straight over his head, it looked a certain try for Sunderland but somehow turned into a break for James Bass to go deep into Sunderland’s 22. After Several further phases this lead to Selkirk realising Marshall who took it into contact where Hipps recycled quick ball and finally managed to get over the white line for our first and only try, as this was the final play of the game.
Final Score Novos 10 Sunderland 18 (at least we won the second half).
It was a tough game and Sunderland were the deserved winners as they took their chances and defended very well. Novos showed very strong character to come back into the game after the nightmare first ten. If Novos can eradicate not turning up for the first ten this will help us greatly in our goal to get promoted.
Special mention goes out to Dan Hipps who was very impressive throughout the game, he also has no respect for his own wellbeing and body with hard hitting, running and clear outs at the breakdown. He was very much the deserved man of the match this weekend.
Onwards and upwards Lads!
(Report by John ‘Glass’ Marshall)