Ladies just miss out!

Camp Hill arrived at Novos early from their long journey, determined to secure a ‘big win’ after their rare defeat to Loughbrough last week, Novos were also looking to put a frustrating result against Leeds to bed and despite having never beaten Camp Hill were confident of changing the expected script.

Last Season Camp Hill thumped Novos by 50 points at home in what was the worst display of the season by some distance. Early in the game the coaching team were fearing a repeat when Novos lethargic start handed Camp Hill a 12-0 lead with 15 minutes gone. Body positions poor in contact both in carrying and in defence led to turnovers from the powerful Camp Hill players who ran amock ball in hand. Novos needed to wake up and quick!

The tide turned somewhat on 20 minutes, inspired by back rowers Amelia Neagle and Janey Eccles upping the intensity and winning some turn overs, Emma Jordan playing out of position was also buzzing around and making a nuisance of herself, speed off the mark was putting Camp Hills backs under pressure and Fee Shanks was returning the aggressive carrying back at Camp Hill. From a turn over the forwards rumbled forward with some great short play and a great release set the backs away, Emily Oliver joining the line perfectly to send Elizabeth Severs in for her 14th try of the season.

Novos began piling on the pressure and were stopped just short when a driven lineout was dropped and Camp Hill were able to clear, on 30 minutes Camp Hill worked back up the field and in an increasingly rare entry into Novos 22 scored to make the score 19 – 5.

Novos dominated the rest of the half but couldn’t find a way through a tough Camp Hill defence until another break from Emily Oliver and Rachel Roberts sent Elizabeth Severs away again to score her 15th try of a remarkable season. This time Emma Nichol was able to add the conversion and Novos ended the half only 19 – 12 down.

The 2nd Half started in much more positive fashion, Novos really chased the game and went close through Fanny Fouin and Emily Oliver before a period of play that saw Novos perhaps over eager give away a series of 4 penalties, Camp Hill used their experience to kick Novos deep at each penalty and from a lineout ten metres in used their forwards to drive over and score a 4th try well against the run of play.

Novos response was magnificent as they totally dominated the final 20 minutes of the game, but Camp Hill were displaying a strong and uncompromising defence. Finally on 75 minutes Novos got a reward and for none more so deserving than Rachel Roberts to score her first try for Novos and also her first try in 4 years! Rachel has battled in every game and also played through injuries at times so it was great to see her score. Emma Nichol again stroked over the conversion – 24 – 19 down, 5 minutes… Game on!

Unfortunately, Camp Hill proved too streetwise and closed out the game by starving Novos of possession but Novos defended well to ensure their was no further score.

So more lessons learned and another game against top 4 opposition we could have and possibly should have won. If we can learn to start stronger we wont have to chase games which in itself creates opportunities for opposition to score as you have to try and take more chances. Having said that I was mighty proud of the girls display against a tough side who have long held Premiership ambitions.

Forward of the match Emma Jordan, playing out of position and putting real pressure on the Camp Hill backline with her pace

Back of the Match: Rachel Roberts – a try a just reward for her efforts this season.

From starting the day in 4th place with Camp Hill immediately above in 3rd, Novos now slip to 5th – exactly where we finished last season – If we are to meet our goals and finish in the top four we need to beat the sides below us and to get results on the road against the top 4 as only Leeds will visit us. It’s a tough task but one I feel the girls are capable of if we hit our straps earlier!

Next week a break from League action will see our developing squad enter the Northumberland tens, a competition we won last season – Its great to be able to offer some game time to those who haven’t been in the league squad and also to give some league players a well deserved weekend off.

Finally, apologies to Promise Chapwanya and Livvy Coombs for not getting them on the pitch yesterday – it was a close game and time ran out to get the girls on, both displayed a great attitude and understood, but I know its not much fun sitting on a bench for 80 minutes after you have given your time to play.