Great Team Spirit

Having faced off against West B on the opening day of the season it was impossible to tell what the game would be like. Unfortunately due to the game being re-arranged twice Novos were forced to take a slim squad of 16 to full fill the fixture. With the league positions set in stone and the sun out it was going to be a day for attacking rugby with plenty of flair. The game also saw the return of French centre Capucine ‘KP’ Auger who would join patriot Fanny Fouin in the midfield.

The game kicked off and the powerful West B pack was in the game straight away thundering forward. Some high tackling across the board from Novos saw West B touch down for 3 unanswered scores, with their impressive number 8 scoring a brace. At 17-0 down Novos decided to get in the game, unfortunately Fran Mockford’s injured ankle forced Novos to make their only sub after just 20 minutes. With stand in vice-captain Chrissy Miller motivating the forwards combined with strong runs from Elle Bloor and Claire giving Novos some momentum. A good pass from scrum half Laura Armstrong ,who started in her 4th position of the season, gave new fly half Amelia ‘Magic’ Magistrali the time to scan the defence. A great line from KP saw her through the line and over the whitewash to put Novos on the board. Novos recovered the kick off and bizarre turn on events somehow saw skipper Emily Oliver free with 80 meters of fresh air in front of her. Novos were now back in the game at 17-10.

The second half kicked off and Novos were on top with Cat Ingoe providing good ball for the explosive number 8 Tasha Robson to charge up the field. Quick ball from the forwards and more exceptional play from Magic gave Cathy Foster the space she needed to take on the West B defence with several darting runs. Lauren Gowland and Emma Clement both looked good on the ball and a bit more accuracy could have seen either play score. Unfortunately West B’s forwards were just too strong scoring 2 tries off the back off powerful scrums, putting the game just out of sight. This was despite some destructive tackling from team wild card Louise Partridge. As the West B reinforcements came on it got harder for Novos as Tasha Robson was forced from the field with another ankle injury. However, even with a player down Novos still looked good with ball in hand and some more excellent link play between Magic and KP saw Novos get their final score. Emily Yarrow who had brought energy to the team was all over the pitch for 80 minutes, not necessarily where the ball was though…

West B finished the game with a couple more scores to make it 41-17 but the ladies gave 100% and really step up to the plate with so many senior players missing. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us this season in any way shape or form.