Novos Cruise into Final up at Alnwick

Novos Cruise into Final up at Alnwick
Having beaten Gosforth in the quarter final with a strong defensive display, the Republic travelled up to Alnwick where hopes were high of making the final, previously in the season the Republic enjoyed a comfortable win against Alnwick. But with the team missing key players (Both Marshalls with career threatening injuries, Gus a phantom back problem/some meal to attend, Hemmings MIA, Shack struggling with old age/child care issues(has probably now lost his 15 spot in the final) Colm on Dad duties) there was potential risk of an upset.
Before kick-off, former fullback Marshall agreed to put down his boots and take the flag to be an exceptional linesman with no help offered from the other subs….
The potential risk of an upset was quickly dissolved after kick off with Novos putting Alnwick under immediate pressure with some good territory gained from the boot of Selkirk and with phases put together inside their 22. The pressure soon told as Selkirk sold the dummy and went through the gap to scramble to the line. Simple conversion missed but we can let Richardson off as he was new to kicking duties. 5-0 Novo’s
After the early dominance Alnwick turned the table and from some good pick and go play (what Alnwick do best) they managed to force themselves into the Novos 22. After some good defence and holding the ball up over the line, we got to see the first scrum of the match. Alnwick as usual presented a big pack but Novos held firm and there was little in it at scrum time, but the pressure eventually told with the big men of Alnwick putting it up their jumper and eventually found a way through. Surely that being their best ploy if they were to come away with a win. Converted try 7-5 Alnwick.
The next 15 minutes were a bit scrappy with both teams making errors spoiling the fluidity of the game, with no team taking a stranglehold. With an Injury to Kieran at 15 Novos had to ring the changes with Zach coming on for Tommy (who admitted was a little tired) and Michael Mains coming on for Kieran with Anthony moving to 15. At this point injured D Marshall refused to come on due to a shoulder injury, at which Pratt threw what appeared to be a bitch fit/tantrum his son would be proud of on the pitch. But with the changes made the game seemed to switch tempo and with some strong running from Michael regularly breaking the game line, gaps began to appear in the Alnwick defence which Richardson made the most of with a sniping run and made it under the posts. Conveniently converting his own try. 12-7 Novos. Alnwick struggled from then on with Neil and Gardener constant menaces and outstanding at the lineout stealing regular ball and with Neil all over the pitch was very effective at counter rucking, leaving Alnwick with very little ball for any lengthy period. Not helped when Alnwick fullback met Novo’s captain Kim Jong Pratt which resulted in the former to suffer a broken arm. Lesson learned, you don’t mess with an angry Pratt. With Alnwick making the changes, Novos applied more pressure which allowed Neil deservedly to go over from close range. Converted try. Novos 19-7.
The second half began and the dominance of Novos started again to show, again Michael regularly breaking the line against an already tiring defence, and then to lose their 10 to Injury the points started to flow more freely. Novos earned a penalty under the posts, in which Pratt ordered the points to be taken to take Novos more than two converted tries ahead. Up stepped Richardson to simply slot it wide… Fortunately soon after the 22 restart, Michael’s weaving run through their defence went over in the corner. Richardson then stepped up to the plate and knocked a beauty over from the corner. 26-7. Not long after that Fife decided enough was enough and decided he wanted a scrap (which he later admitted he started for no reason at all). The only apparent misdemeanour throughout the game.
By this point the game was all but over, Selkirk putting in a strong performance (when he wasn’t get hit late and whinging about getting the ball) regularly punting the ball into the far corner of Alnwick’s 22 where their 15 seemed incapable to catch or to deal with ensured Novo’s kept up the pressure, also helped from dominant performances in the lineout and scrum from the Novo’s forward pack. This laid the platform for Novos to rack up the points including another try from Michael and two from Anthony Phillips who seemed to enjoy his day at fullback (also costing him a jug after the game), and also a late one for Duncan who has been impressive with his new move to the backline. Though rumour has it Harrap knocked on in the lead up to that try. Final Score 49-7

Special mention to Richardson for his superb kicking out wide but dismal kicking in front of the posts, to Neil for his MOM performance, and lastly to Tommy for stealing Zach’s trousers so he had to walk into a full clubhouse with no trousers on… (Videos can be viewed on the website) But all in all a solid result and yet another FINAL!!!
By David Marshall