Novos 3's 33 - Nth Shields 26

Novo's 3s continued their winning streak with a hard fought 33-26 win over local rivals North Shields in what was a great, physical game. We showed resilience to twice come from behind to secure the win in the last few minutes of the match.

Despite having confidence from our recent good run, it was North Shields who had the better start. After several phases defending inside our own 22, a cross field kick was gathered and scored in the corner. Novo's rules conversion 0-7.

We were then on the wrong end of several refereeing decisions meaning we were pinned back in our own half and eventually led to a North Shields line out 5m from our line. Despite strong requests to the referee from captain Ian Wood to watch for obstruction from the lifters when setting up the maul, the referee chose to ignore this request and they were able to drive the maul over for a second try. Novo's rules conversion. 0-14.

After conceding the first 2 trys we were able to rally and our first points of the game came thanks to a nice gift from a former Novo's player. Some good attacking play from us led to a North Shields lineout just inside their own 22. They secured the ball at the lineout, however they ex Novo must have thought that he was still wearing a Novo's shirt, as his attempted clearance was a perfect crossfield kick straight to Dan Vicary who was able to run straight in for a try in the corner. Conversion missed. 5-14.

After this our good attacking work continued and a scrum around the halfway line provided a perfect attacking opportunity. Knowing that we had a stronger scrum, having already driven them back on their own scrum, a stable attacking scrum was ideal for the backs to launch an attack. A nice move in the centres created an overlap allowing Ross Cleminson to go down the wing before taking it round the full back to score under the posts. Drop goal conversion scored by Sam Bird. 12-14.

Any further chances at the end of the first half were limited due to further frustrating decisions meaning we went in to half time slightly behind.

The second half began much as the first half ended - a stop/start game which benefitted North Shields and limited our attack. As a result we ended up defending several phases on our own line before they were able to get over in the corner. Conversion missed. 12-19.

Despite the stop-start nature of the game we were able to get some ball in hand and have some attacking of our own. This led to a break for Dan Vicary down the wing for his second try of the match. Novo's rule conversion. 19-19.

The game was becoming an increasingly physical battle in the midfield and North Shields were able to push forwards and get over the try line. Despite a questionable grounding the try was given and conversion scored. 19-26.

Despite the set back of falling behind, we were once again able to rally and some strong carries, particularly from Finn Ruddock, put us back on the front foot. This led to a line break and try for Sam Bird. Novo's rule conversion 26-26.

As the game came in to the final 10 minutes we were becoming increasingly dominant as North Shields seemed to have fatigued. This led to pushing down the field and winning a penalty 5m out. Christian Selkirk attempted to take the penalty quickly before they had a chance to get their defence set, only to receive a cuddle round the head from another former Novo's playe. However, this didn't stop us and on the second attempt to take the penalty, the ball was sent out to the unstoppable Dan Vicary who went over to complete his hat trick and give us the lead for the first time in the match. Novo's rule conversion. 33-26.

The final few minutes of the match were seen out comfortably in attack to seal a great comeback win.

Final score 33-26

Joint MotM
Dan Vicary - for 3 great trys
Finn Ruddock - for several strong ball carries and changing the game in the second half.