Novos win over DMP

The game was played over four 20 minute quarters giving the new Novos coaches plenty of opportunity to look at all 21 players who had made the journey to the Mowden Park stadium. The home side only had 14 players so Novos kindly lent them Claire Gilchrist for first and second quarter and Pip Serebriakoff for the final two quarters.

The Novos team were not overawed by the grand stadium or the Sharks reputation and status, scoring three tries and two conversions to Mowden’s three tries.

The first try by the Novos team was scored by Fanny Fouin within the first minute of the kick off. A short drop kick by Mowden was won by the visitors and within two passes we saw the direct running of our inside centre Emma Nichol, breaking through the attempted tackles and linking up with her outside centre colleague to run in the 35 meters to score near the posts. The try was converted by Emma Nichol.

Novos defence was good but a kick ahead and fine chase by Mowden Park put our defence under pressure. Not releasing the ball the penalty was awarded to Mowden. The forward drive giving Mowden Park their first try. Score 5-7.

This seemed to spur the Novos team into driving forward, the back row of Amelia Neagle, Sarah Marshall and Fran Mockford leading the way. Novos had a five metre scrum but were not able to convert into points. Mowden were trying to play an open game but tackling and chasing from the Novos back line was really effective and very good.

Sal Fitzpatrick in the front row got injured and was replaced by Jess Richards with Louise Partridge coming on to fill the gap in second row.

Unfortunately, Novos were losing a great deal of ruck ball, possession being turned over. This was also leading to several penalties being awarded against the Novos side. From one of these penalties Mowden Park scored their second try.

In the second quarter Caitlin Morrell moved into the scrum half position and Laura Armstrong moved onto the wing. Caitlin Morrell did really well at scrum half linking well with fly half Ruth Scott and putting several forwards in for some good drives. The game was quite even at this stage, however, Fanny Fouin managed a great interception in the centres and raced in for a try which Emma Nichol again converted to give Novos the lead 10-14.

In the third quarter Novos were able to bring on a few replacements; Ellie Hind onto the wing, Nicola Copeland and Kristy Nolan both into the forwards for their 1st game. Some great play in this quarter and in particular the driving of both forwards and backs. Novos third try was a bit of a solo effort from Elle Bloor who side stepped an opponent, broke through a second opponent and then drove over the line. Giving the Novos Ladies a 19-10 lead.

The final quarter saw Mowden score the third try again from a penalty tap, which was passed quickly to the wing to score.
Excellent performances from all the Novos players and plenty of good rugby. However, still some work to do before the league program starts on the 11th September against Loughborough.

Player of match Amelia Neagle and Fanny Fouin for her two try performance.