Keeping the momentum

A struggling Northwhich side saw Novos go in as clear favourites, this was a pressure they would have to deal with. There were several changes from the team that beat Loughborough 2 weeks ago which included Captain Amelia Neagle and star player Emma Nichol on the bench. Janey Eccles wore the captains’ armband while Emma Clement stepped up to the starting line-up.

The opening minutes were very tight and while Novos dominated possession the Northwhich defence stood strong. Some unfortunate handling in the midfield lead to the first scrum of the day, a powerful looking Northwhich front row exerted huge pressure on the Novos scrum. Some good team work from Fran Mockford and Caitlin Sedgeworth saw Novos win the ball despite being marched backwards. Away from the scrum Novos dominated every aspect of the game, but a determined Northwhich display kept the Novos attacking waves at bay. Eventually the dam burst and some slick hands from Ruth Scott gave Rachel Bass (making her season debut) space and some great pace and footwork saw her run in the first try of the day. Helen Kane took the kicking duties this week but was just wide with her first shot and goal.

This score gave Novos the confidence they needed as they received the kick off with a new menace in their eyes. The forwards powered up the pitch until a break from Emily Yarrow combined with some awesome offloading saw Katy Chamberlain go in for her first try ever. It was a very tough conversion for Kane who only just pushed it wide. Novos were now in their full stride and had Northwhich on the ropes. Strong runs from Helen Kane and great clear out work from the forwards gave lighting fast ball for the backs to work with Ruth Scott decided the backs outside her had had plenty of ball so decided to throw a dummy and go under the posts herself. Helen Kane found her radar and nudged over the kick to give Novos a 17-0 lead. The engine room of Sarah Kilby and Katy Chamberlain kept the momentum going as Novos started to turn the screws. This gave Ruth Scott another chance to ignore the players outside her and dance over for her second try of the game. Kane raised the flags for the extra 2 points.

Novos were playing some of the best rugby the had all season, but a few erros at key times prevented them from adding any more tries. As the game wore on it became more and more apparent how dangerous Novos could be if they could get the ball to Fanny Fouin and Cathy Foster on the wing. As the first half drew to a close Novos went back to type, give the ball to Helen Kane and punch us over the gain line. This had more success than usual and she went straight through to score, giving Novos the try bonus point before the end of the half. The only negative from a strong first half was the forced substitute of Caitlin Sedgeworth, hopefully she will be fighting fit for next weekend’s crunch game against West Park Leeds.

The second half kicked off and the tight nature which started the game resumed with neither side wanting to give anything away easily. Novos kept at it and eventually some composed play saw Fanny Fouin go over for the first score of the second half. It was at this point that all regular watches of Novos ladies were waiting for the self-destructive 10 minutes. Much to the joy of their supporters Novos continued their dominant performance, even the scrum was now going their way. It was time to bring on the subs as regulars Emma Nichol, Rachel Bennet and season debutant Ruth Appleby entered the field. These changes made an immediate impact as Rachel Bennet showed her pace to score an awesome try out wide. Emma Nichol who has kicked so well this season made an instant impact with a successful conversion. The score of 41-0 fully showing Novos dominance. The game became very scrappy as both sides were trying to force the play too much, this did eventually work out in Novos favour as Helen Kane picked up a loose ball to score her second of the match, Nichol made it 2/2 with the conversion.

Novos started to show a lot of maturity as they used a strong kicking game to put Northwhich under pressure. It almost worked exceptionally well but unfortunately Rachel Bennet had left her hands at home as she failed to take 2 great chances to score. Debutant Lizzie G showed glimpses of what she could do with a couple of threatening runs and great commitment in defence. This pressure told and when Novos got their hands on the ball Rachel Bennet was somehow able to hang onto the ball to score her second try. This took Novos past the 50 and in complete control. Both sides showed signs of tiring, this was made most obvious by Novos decisions to ignore inspirational coach Calum Harris and play a series of awful slow tap penalties. This was as good at breaking the line as a spoon is opening a tin of tuna. Novos soon regained their composure and where able to put some good phases together for Jen Meaghs to go over for her first try in Novos colours.

The game ticked down and the ref blew the final whistle and Novos recorded a 58-0 win! Thanks to all your support and please make it down to Sutherland Park to support our Ladies in the big one against West Park Leeds! #novosarmy