West ended

Novos 59 vs West End 14

A lovely autumn afternoon welcomed the return of 3rd team rugby to Sutherland park. Sunderland were unable to field a 2nd team to play so the 3s entered the pot for a friendly and were paired with West End. Unfortunately West End were only able to bring 13 and suffered a few injuries which led to the first half having a bit of an inter-club game feel as novos lent the opposition quite a few players.

Novos may say that this contributed to the first half display, however the fact was novos seemed to not turn up and were taken aback by the West End physicality. The Vo's forwards in particular found it hard to get into the game with line outs going astray, rucks not being hit and general laziness around the park (my dad actually stopped watching as "I was bored of waiting to see if you would run"). Novos backs were showing their class marshalled well by Rich Harrison at 10 and with real pace out wide they scored some great tries, long runs from David Hopkins who went the length of the pitch, Tommy Wilson who could have gone over but decided to step the fullback and some gear finishing from Shack meant that despite the on off half Novos went in leading.

Some strong words at half time led to Novos starting the second half much sharper. The forwards started keeping it simple with direct carries setting up rucks and letting the backs score. This simple approach led to some more good tries - Mark Hemmings eventual MOM was the standout performer with 2 great tries, some tackles (yes really) and a horrific pass to avoid scoring his hat trick. There was even time for a double Marshall cameo with 2 tries for David "suspiciously sore wrist" Marshall and an appearance at scrum half for John "dick of the day, lateness award, shit shoveller and any other awards" Marshall.

As well as the tries he forward really stepped up in the 2nd half with some excellent defence during the period of pressure West End had. Although everyone dug in Micheal Stowe and Andy Gardiner showed their experience with some vital turnovers and in Gardiners case blatant cheating.

All in all a game of two halves but and good win for the 3s. Once we switched on we showed a ruthless side that we will need to kick on this year and beat some better teams.

All credit to West End who didn't give up despite a tough day. Big mention to all the Vo's lads who stepped up and played for West End although special mention to Josh Kaufman and Zach Witherhead who played the full 80 (or 60 whatever it was). Zach was arguably the best player for West End and may decide to stay in the backs for a while longer yet.

Well done gents things to work on but some great things to take out of the game. Apologies I know I didn't get everyone who scored! Bring on pont next week.

By Gus Graham