Ladies start with bang!

Novos kicked off into the wind on a slightly overcast day at Sutherland Park wearing their smart new ‘lucky’ socks and Rob Parkin was quick to point out their influence in the scoreline!

Novos quickly got into their stride as Kate Disley, Amelia Neagle and Fee Shanks made barnstorming runs to make inroads in the Nottingham sides defence. This platform was setting up quick ball for our pacy back line and it wasn’t long before Novos got the ball wide to Elizabeth Severs in space for her to set the wheels to full speed and fly over from half way.

Within minutes Severs was at it again Sprinting past two defenders to score a converted try with Emma Nichol posting the extra conversion. 12-0
West Bridgford’s response was strong and they came back into the game with some hard running from their forwards, in particular their number 8 was proving a handful, However stout defence and some big front up hits from Rachael Yost, Hannah Pollard and Kate Disley swung momentum back Novos way with Fran Mockford and Chrissie Miller foraging to turn over countless West Bridgford possession. An early injury to Sally Fitzpatrick (Ankle) saw Rachel Hayes introduced and in the exchanges injuries to Rachael Yost (Hamstring! Yes Props have hamstrings) and Chrissie Miller (Calf) became a concern for the coaching team. Both bravely battled on.

Another sweep downfield saw a scrum forty metres out. A pick up by Kate Disley saw a quick offload to Steph Maddison who supplied Ruth Scott with an opportunity to test her knee, selling the dummy in an outrageous show and go to beat the oncoming defence and then stepping the full back to score, Emma Nichol having an easy kick in front of the posts, 19-0.

Novos attacking game was highlighted by the unselfish way players offloaded to others to score rather than risking it themselves with bouts of ‘white line fever, highlighted by 6 different players touching down on the day.
Within 20 minutes Novos had their bonus point try as a great sweeping movement saw the ball go across the full pitch to allow French flyer Fanny Fouin to burst over 24-0, Nichol unable to add the extra 2 points this time.

To their credit West Bridgford did not lie down ever and a strong lineout drive saw them bundled into touch just short of the Novos line. The line out won and a fantastic touch finder from Nichol took Novos out of danger. Try of the game followed with a trademark smash from Kate Disley leading to another turn over a powerful break from skipper, Steph Maddison and offload to Rachel Hayes who bashed onward – a great ruck clearance set up quick ball and Maddison hit Fee Shanks on a marauding run, leaving a trail of defenders on the floor, another offload to Ruth Scott moving blind and a great run from Rachel Roberts who drew three players with good foot work before putting Fran Mockford over with a superbly timed pass. 29 – 0 with Nichol going close with the conversion attempt.

Novos were now having a field day with Emma Nichol and Rachel Roberts hitting great lines and offloads always supported by the back row and playing some real quality rugby, a break from Emily Oliver joining the line from full back carved up the West Bridford defence and a well timed pass put Fanny Fouin in for her 2nd try of the day, Emma Nichol converting to make it 36 - 0
With half time almost called Novos drove a massive Maul and the ensuing break out Ruth Scott over for her 2nd of the day, again converted from Emma Nichol 43-0 HT – Chrissie Miller made way for Sarah Kilby and Fee Shanks moved into prop from the 2nd row. And Rachel Roberts made way for Helen Kane

The half time oranges seemed to revive West Bridgford who again used their pick and drive to good effect. Their problems arose when Novos turned over the ball as their fitter players immediately created gaps in the home defence. From one such run Severs was put in to the corner to complete her hat trick. In doing so took a bang on the knee, so an introduction for Fionidi Parker to Sutherland Park – West Bridgford could be forgiven for feeling relieved to see the back of Severs but as Novos marched once again down field, Emily Oliver was again the creator and fed Parker with her first touch of the game, she duly scorched down the wing to score another – 48-0.

Novos were completely dominant now and Fanny Fouin went over to complete her hat trickv for 53 - 0 which led to more subs with Ruth Scott making way for Ali Lonie and Fran Mockford for Janey Eccles.

With subs now on Novos continued to dominate ensuring no relief for the away side as 60 points were reached when Fionidi Parker scored again and converted by Nichol.

A rally from West Bridgford saw their efforts rewarded with a converted try for their winger, a try that their efforts fully deserved.
Sarah Marshall was then introduced for the effervescent Amelia Neagle, who had a super game.

West Bridgford, though were tiring and left chasing shadows as quick hands saw another score for Fanny Fouin a hat trick for 65 - 7
Moment of the game was to follow as a rare West Bridgford break through Novos defence looked for a certain try but Emily Oliver and and Fionidi Parker chased well on the hypoteneuse of the 22 to haul the Bridgy winger down short and Parker ripped and set off on a mazy run, Novos advanced down the field and a penalty was awarded following a foul on Parker, Hannah Pollard took it quickly and strided toward the line, hauled down short, skipper Maddison was on hand to wrap the scoring up and bring up the 70 points and an end to a pulsating game and wonderful performance from Novos.
The game was well refereed by the official. He has been around a while and this is not his first rodeo, his game management is excellent and he empathises with the players ensuring a good game for all, this was a good performance from him.

Forward of the match. Amelia Neagle for a barnstorming display of power rugby
Back of the match: Emily Oliver, solid at full back and hit great lines to set up four of Novos 12 tries

Next week Novos welcome perrenial league champions Waterloo to Sutherland Park for what will be a sterner test against a side unbeaten in 2 years in the league, With walking wounded being counted as well, Novos will relish the role of underdogs and on this evidence hope to give the top dogs a run for their money!