BATTLE OF THE BROADWAY BOG

BATTLE OF THE BROADWAY BOG
There’s not much love lost between Novos and Gosforth; the bitterness exemplified by the Supreme Leader of the Republic, Kim Jong Pratt. A few short weeks ago game, especially were being called off for frozen pitches, but the sun came out for this fierce cup clash between two local rivals.

Gosforth are only in their second year at their new Broadway West home but the pitch closely resembled something more akin to a Tough Mudder course. This would not suit the running style Novos had employed to great effect at home earlier in the season when Gosforth were thumped 58-12. It was never going to be a high scoring game, although the referee cheekily promised it wouldn’t come down to sudden death penalties.

Novos started the game bright enough, pinning Gosforth in their half (with a little help from the wind), with some good kicking from hand by one time only stand in outside half Christian “Diva” Selkirk. Unfortunately due to the conditions it took Novos a while to stamp their authority on the game. Some great carrying came from Jack “the manatee” Salt, Neil “Straussy” Smith and Sean “terrier” Ramsey.

Novos continued to pressure the Gosforth line and through a series of well disciplined, high tempo, pick and drives from the base of the ruck, Michael Stowe went over from a huge distance of 3m (may have even been 2m) to get Novos off the mark. Conversion was difficult in the wind and David Marshall was unlucky not to convert. 5-0 to the Republic.

Given a boost from the try, the red, black and white of Novos surged back on the attack. The conditions underfoot were worsening and at one point it was very difficult to see Tommy Wilson below the waistline. The 6” of mud covering most of the young veteran’s compact frame. However, Diva Selkirk managed to find him in a firm patch, fully visible and cutting an outrageous line that even his dad would have been proud of. Wilson jnr made it to the line and eventually got the ball down, the ref gave the try (if it’d been international rugby the TMO would’ve taken 17 mins to deliberate and everyone would’ve gone home). Marshall converted and Novos were beginning to see daylight between them and Gosforth. 12-0 to the Republic.

Novos continued to apply pressure in no small part to the 8 man effort coming at every scrum and Matty Bradford distributing ball as if it wasn’t caked in mud. It wasn’t a day for backs rugby but that didn’t stop all of the Novos back line taking the game to Gosforth at every opportunity they could.

Novos closed out the first half with a successful penalty from Marshall.

HT: Gosforth 0-15 The Republic

The second half was always going to be a different story. Novos heading into the wind, defending the heaviest section of the pitch and going uphill. Would a 15 point lead be enough to secure the win and further bragging rights?

Gosforth started the second half brightly and caught Novos off guard. The Republic were being forced into changes with Wilson jnr deciding he really didn’t like the mud and, as a back, headed off to reapply his make up. Gustav “club bully” Graham had injured his back after the ref had repeatedly refused to penalise the Gosforth loosehead for not driving straight. Shaun “lateness personified” O’Connell came on to loosehead and Stowe shifted to tighthead. Neil Venables was also on by this point in a new look front row.

Sean Ramsey continued to tackle anything that moved and belied his 2 year absence from the game. Straussy was also making the hits with our Supreme Leader as the back row continued to have a busy day.

Gosforth were to finally get rewards for their pressure when Novos were found with a defence tighter than a Yorkshireman’s wallet and following a kick ahead they were able to spread the ball wide and they ran it down the right wing to score. Enough said. 7-15 to the Republic.

Novos woke up. The disciplined play of the first half returned , lineout function returned and pressure on Gosforth was to be too much for them. A 20m driving maul was the start of it all, but not before Christian Selkirk professed to know a penalty was coming, thereby excusing him from possibly the most inappropriate and worst drop goal attempt seen this side of...ever! The penalty and following scrums was to be the base for a succulent delivery from Addison to send Stephen Duncan over. No conversion and Novos were up 7-20.

Gosforth weren’t to threaten again and Novos saw the game out to record a thoroughly deserved victory against their cross city rivals. Everyone played their part in recording the win but MOM had to go to Sean Ramsey for his tireless display.

FT: GOSFORTH 7-20 NOVOCASTRIANS

Great win. Onwards and upwards to the next task!
Stowey