Novos hopes head West

This was the last fixture of what has been a successful year, Despite a lengthy injury list and some of the squad returning home for Christmas Novos were able to name a competitive 19, with 11 try winger Fanny Fouin, Solid full back Emily Oliver, Wing Promise Chapwanya and back row taliswoman Amelia Neagle on holiday leave, Livvy Coombs working and our student populace also returning to have their parents do their washing and provide them with some solid meals and a detox.

On the injured list, experienced and influential number ten Ruth Scott (Dislocated Shoulder), front five player Fiona McGregor (Cracked Ribs), Emma Jordan (Ligament damage), Fionidi Parker (Back) Kate Disley (Neck) remain long term doubts but we hope to have most back competing for a place in the new year.

In previous seasons the above would paint a gloomy picture and we would struggle to raise a side, in fact we had no problems and confirmed a side early in the week welcoming back Helen Kane from her injury and Lisa Wakefield to the squad. Cathy Foster also came in on the wing for her first start following her metoric learning curve in the game.

The Game started with Novos dominating but despite going close through Cathy Foster, Helen Kane and Emma Nichol, good defencive organisation from Leeds thwarted Novos attacking with the wind at their backs.

Their were seeds of what was to come as Leeds were managing to turn over Novos ball far too easily and eventually against the run of play Leeds went ahead via the pace of their Number 15.

Novos came back and played some of their best rugby showing great hands and running angles to put top try scorer Betsy Severs in under the posts for 7-7

Sloppy defencive play followed and Leeds were back ahead after Novos committed the cardinal sin of turning their back on a penalty and were duly punished, 7-14.

Novos continued to dominate, in part thanks to the wind but they found Leeds in miserly mood with some huge hits going in from both sides.

Emma Nichol was next on the scoresheet with a show and go Ruth would be proud of and the score was level again.

Just before Half time Novos scored with the last play of the half through the returning Helen Kane barging over… Crucially the missed conversion would come back to haunt us.

Half time Novos led 19 – 14, Facing the wind in the 2nd half there was an expectation Leeds would come back hard…. And they did!!

Novos were forced to defend for long periods but after 20 mins of tackling everything and just as Novos were looking likely to have ridden out the storm Leeds number 15 struck again and the conversion put them ahead 19 – 21.

Novos came back again and this time in attack, but the earlier problem of being turned over wouldn’t go away and Leeds were given opportunities to clear. Finally on another foray into Leeds territory Novos were given a penalty which was kicked by Emma Nichol to send us into the lead and 4th place in the grasp.

Moments later a speculative kick was mis-fielded and cruelly Leeds picked it up to score a 4th Bonus point try to snatch a victory late in the game.

The game finished 22-26 to Leeds.

Novos have played better, but have also played worse, this was a great advert for Ladies rugby in the North – 2 committed teams playing good, hard but fair rugby with big hits and no quarter inch given nor asked for by either.

I spoke to the opposition coach who was in agreement and full of admiration for both sides in tricky conditions produced a great game.

Thanks again to referee, Ian Smeetham, A good performance getting more decisions correct than not and consistent which is all the players and coaches want to see from a ref.

Congratulations to Leeds, 4th spot is theirs to lose now 3 points ahead with 2 games to go…. But you never know! We may meet again in the cup yet so we will hopefully get another crack at the whip!

The disappointment and hurt of the loss was evident but girls should hold their heads high after a good showing this year so far. 2 more league games to follow in the New Year before the cup starts and some prospective fixtures against Scottish Premier sides and of course the Notorious Carrick tour all await in 2015 (Not to mention some spectacular new boots from Emma Nichol due an appearance!)… Still plenty to play for!

Forward of the Match - Sarah Kilby, 40 minutes of hard graft and driving from the 2nd Row
Back of the Match - Cathy Foster, great 1st start, bounced back from a clattering early on, tackled everything that came her way