The Republic rock the bay

The People’s Republic travelled to Whitley Bay Rockcliff in their first league game of the season. The squad was missing a few of last season’s regulars but boosted with some returning players and colts a strong squad took the field after an interesting warm up.

Novos started off brightly with some good ball by the pack but against the run of play rockcliff took the lead through a driven over scrum. Novos hit back quickly after an 8 pick up by Ian Pratt which resulted in WBR 6 going off after strong “handoff”, a few phases later David Hopkin scored a returning try assisted by Michael Shackleton and converted by Rich Harrison.

Novos looked dangerous with ball in hand but were struggling in set plays and defence as WBR scored two sloppy fatboy tries.

Just before half time Rich Harrison went over following good work by Blair Tweedie who offloaded to Harra. The conversion was added to make the half time score 17-14.

At half time Tommy Wilson came on for Mark Hemmings and Neil Spence came on for Peter Wilson.

Novos were much improved in the second half and took the lead after David Hopkin got his second try assisted by Blair Tweedie, Harra banged over the extra points.

The rugby was end to end, mainly due to some interesting refereeing WBR scored again but Novos hit back quickly through a try by Hopkin assisted by Shack. Harra yet again added the conversion.

Adam Macdonald came on for Euan Duncan in the second row.

With 17 minutes left Mike Baker went off with a broken ankle with ended his playing career. If he had gone round the child or passed it would have been an easy try. Cameron Spencer came on and the back line was re-organised. Ollie Gamble also came on as the pack was reshuffled.

WBR scored to take a 6 point lead after the ref recounted the score.

With 4 minutes left Novos scored through the dancing Tommy Wilson, it was more the truffle shuffle. No pressure Harra was shouted as the conversion would give Novos the lead, the kicking tee failed to make it and a horrible drop kick was needed.

Novos had to score to win the game and with an overlap plus certain try available harra dropped the ball. WBR were running down the clock but gave away a penalty in Novos 22, with 30 seconds left. A quick tap and go, the Novos backline raced away, Tweedie secured the ball and passed to young Spencer. His first touch of the ball in senior rugby, showed pace and power to just manage to get over the line to win the game. Harras conversion was irrelevant, just as well….

Full time WBR 2s 34-38 Novos 3s, 6 tires scored and 5 points after not being at their best is a sign of a good team. There were good performances by a number of the new players including scrum half Chris Richards and returning players Michael Parking & David Hopkin(hat trick jug buyer).

Man of the match was Michael Shackleton, who was amazing all game and is surprisingly 38. David Marshall wont be getting his 15 shirt back any time soon. WBR chose Andrew Gardiner as MoM, but her wasn’t there for the pint downing so Blair destroyed the two WBR players in the downing.
Match Report by Ian Pratt after Shack refused and Cameron failed to deliver.