Narrow defeat hard to take

Novos started of the game well putting Gateshead under pressure through the forwards, before the backs used there pace to open them up like a tin of beans.

After 10 minutes Novos took the lead when another good backs move saw Richard Seed slice through the Gateshead back line like a hot knife though butter, to score under the posts. The conversion was missed by the usually reliable Angus Walker.

Novos continued to dominate the game especially though the hard work of Alan Pitchford and James Desmond who were carrying the ball well.

After 20minutes Novos began to ease of the gas to allow Gateshead to score a converted try.

This spelled 10 minutes of pressure from Gateshead in the Novos 22, scrum after scrum Novos held out and even survived a try that was given to Gateshead but was quickly over turned because the ball been thrown forwards over the line.

At Half time Novos knew that they had to work hard in the second half but with only two points between the teams it was all to play for.

The second half started badly with Mick Shackelton going off with a sore wrist and Gateshead converting a penalty to take a 5-10 lead.

In the second half the backs weren’t getting much ball and what they did get it was poor, as the team began to panic.

The forwards tired to take the game by the scruff of the neck, Des even put in a 40 meter spiral kick and chase but Novos couldn’t find a way to score.

Novos pack kept trying to drive forwards but every time they got to the Gateshead 22 the ball would be turned over and kicked to safety. Novos were now struggling to win line outs and running out of ideas as the clock ran down.

All of the subs came on to try and add to fresh legs to the game but this didn’t spur Novos on as the game finished 5-10.

This was a very winnable game which Novos should have taken their chances to score in the first 20 minutes, the team are not far away from winning in this league they just need to play with the same levels of intensity that they did in the first 20minute for the whole game.

The next league game is on 12 November away to Wallsend, who Novos beat last month so a win is possible in that fixture.

Man of the Match goes to James Desmond for an excellent return to the side, he rucked and carried the ball well.