Novos Back to Winning Ways

It was a great day for rugby; a sunny afternoon with just a light breeze down the pitch, perfect conditions for a running game. Both sides started strongly, defences were good and handling spot on. West Bridgeford were able to steal a couple of early scrums from the Novos pack but the work around the field by the forwards compensated the loss of possession. A couple of turnovers, one from Katie Crute and another from Tasha Robson got the visitors going forward.

The first try was scored by Janey Eccles. This had followed a darting run by Janey where the ball was passed along the line to Laura Stewart who came close to scoring herself but the ball was judged to be held up. The scrum was won by Novos and Janey was able to go over for the try. The home side lifted their game and were soon level scoring from a tap penalty.

The Novos back row were getting more and more into the game. Tasha at No 8 was looking very strong from the base of the scrum and from open play. One such run led to a nice link to Jess Richards who scored the second try. Then immediately from the kick off, Ruth Scott caught the ball and managed to get the ball to Ameila Neagle who looked like she was going all the way. It was a good tackle by West Bridgeford full back but Fanny Fouin, who was supporting, was able to collect the ball and run to score near the posts. Emma Nichols' conversion giving the visitors a 17-5 lead at half time.

The home side were not going to give up and came back in second half with a great run from their wing forward who must have beaten three or four defenders to score.

Novos ladies were getting more and more in control of the game, Emma Nichols' kicking was accurate and had good distance. Novos backrow continued to be ruthless in their drives and support play. Janey Eccles second try came from a backrow attack, again converted by Emma Nichol. Novos flyhalf Ruth Scott made the next try for Novos, a couple of her famous show and gos gave her the opportunity to break the defensive line and offload for Tasha Robson to score near the posts. Emma converted making the score 31-10. Some substitutions were made; Ceri Storer in the back row, Louise Partridge for the injured Jess Richards, Sal Fitzpatrick for Chrissy.

A final try for West Bridgeford again from a startling run by their wing forward to reduce the lead to 16 points. Great discipline from Novos ladies kept them driving and the support play eventually led to a try for Laura Stewart on the wing and a final try for Janey Eccles on the whistle of full time.