Park punished by Novos Development team
Novos Development team travelled to Percy Park, full of confidence after two wins in a row. They were not helped out by three people crying off on the morning of the match.
Park punished by Novos Development team
Novos Development team travelled to Percy Park, full of confidence after two wins in a row. They were not helped out by three people crying off on the morning of the match.
Novos named a strong pack with Jonny Martin, John Addison, and Craig Paterson in a dynamic front row. James Desmond and Andy Gardiner in a no nonsense second row. The back row was made up of Shaun Du Rant filling in at 6, Steve Gittins at 7 and Alan Pitchford at 8.
The back line was a mix of youth and experience with young quick scrum half Jack Callaghan and not so quick Rob Jones at fly half.
In the centres, there were two old war ships in the form of Angus Walker and Tommy Wilson Snr. The back line had three flyers, Irish wingers Brian Keith and Dave Henry, with Dave Marshall completing the back line at full back.
On the bench was promising youngster Tom Lewin.
Park were much changed from the team that hammered Novos at the start of the season, most of those players were away with Park 2s.
Percy Park made all of the early running but Novos defence held firm and conterrucked well to spoil Park possession and turn the ball over.
Novos always looked dangerous on the counter attack particularly when Marshall and Henry got the ball.
After 15 minutes following some good work from the forwards, Rob Jones fired the ball out wide and just in his own half, Dave Henry received the ball. He set off at speed handed of three tackles to score to the right of the posts. Rob Jones was very close to adding the conversion.
Novos we now starting to control the game and extended the lead when full back Dave Henry claimed a wild kick skipped through a couple of tackles before wrong footing a defender to score under the posts. Marshall dropkicked the conversion to make it 12-0 to Novos.
Novos were all over Park and should have added two more tries when Henry and Marshall both went close. Marshall was judged to have thrown a forward pass ….. A few passes began to be judged forwards by Novos even a gut pass to some one behind the ball carrier.
After 30 minutes a good break and offload from Tommy Wilson Snr put Brian Keith in to score in the corner, Marshall missed the conversion.
On 35 minutes, Novos extended their lead when a big gap opened up for Rob Jones he trundled his way to the line before passing to Jack Callaghan to score under the posts. Marshall added the conversion to give Novos a 24-0 lead, by this time Park we making full use of their 5 man rolling subs bench.
At half time, all of the talk was not to switch off, as the game was not won yet.
Novos started slowly allowing Park to run in two tries between a tired midfield trio during the first 10 minutes of the second half, to make it 24-14.
Young Tom Lewin came on from the bench to replace injured Brian Keith.
Novos decided that they would fill the gap by dropping a back row into the 10 12 channel.
Novos began to regain control of the game as it became more or a forwards battle, with both sides looking dangerous on the break.
Several times Novos got in good position and were penalised for dubious forward passes or rucking offences.
After 60 minutes, Novos extended their lead through a David Marshall Penalty just out side the Park 22.
Novos were now penning Park back into their half and even reduced their pack to 6 in the scrums, using the flankers to increase the backline. Park protested against the Novos 6 man scrum, which Novos dominated and began to turn over park ball despite have two men less.
Park continued to kick clear to prevent Novos Scoring.
With two minutes, remaining Novos turned over a park scrum impressive scrum half fead Shaun Du Randt who drew his man to put Rob Jones in for a try. Play was called back for a forward pass despite the ball travelling a meter backwards to Rob Jones. Jones was distraught at missing out on his first try in 8 years.
The game ended with scrum half hammering the ball into touch after a scrum, which was the last play of the game; this was met by jeers from Park …. Sore losers.
It was a good hard fought win with only 16 men, if they keep playing with this spirit as top half finish is still in reach.
Jonny Martin was excellent in the scrums and in the loose another impressive performance.
John Addison was excellent in the scrums stealing the opposition balls and in the loose he was solid, the only down side was his throwing was like Will Moses. He also put a horror kick into touch when he had open space in front of him.
Craig Paterson excellent all round game first to every break down, a man mountain.
James Desmond was his usually constant self provided the push for the front rows platform.
Andy Gardiner excellent in the loose and line out.
Shaun Du Rant filling in at six was like a true poacher was more like a seven, may have finally found his true position.
Steve Gittins was his usual self, excellent as always.
Alan Pitchford another excellent performance for Pitchford in one of his five positions.
Jack Callaghan excellent game having to fill in at nine, another Novos player that can play both9 and 10. Took his try well, will be missed while he is away.
Rob Jones good range of passing and kicking deserved a try.
Angus Walker strong running from walker and some big hits.
Tommy Wilson Snr typical solid display with some fine breaks big tackles and sliced kicks.
Brian Keith took his try well; solid most play was down the other wing.
Dave Henry strong runs all days’ scored and excellent try using pace and strength.
Dave Marshall quick caused Park all sorts of problems scored 12 points, put in a try saving tackle.
Tom Lewin was impressive put in some bit hits, once fully fit looks a good prospect at 10.
Man of the match was Craig Paterson he put in his best performance for Novos.