Ladies tough out a win

Novos were looking to build on their performance from last week, and although players taking part in the Great North Run meant a shuffle in the back line, they were aiming for a stong start to the game.

Unfortunately, just the opposite occured! A mistake from kick off gave West Bridgford possession and territory in the 22 and had Novos on the back foot and defending desperately for the first 10mins of the game. The defence held firm, with a noteable try saving tackle from full back Rachael Fleming, and eventually Novos managed to clear their lines. The wet conditions didn't help matters, and led to both sides making handling errors, and an awful lot of scrums.

Slowly, Novos started to get back into the game, and gaining confidence, worked the phases through the forwards, creating an overlap for Rachael Fleming to score.

With half an hour gone, Novos found themselves a player up, after West Bridgford's full back was sin binned for a second high tackle, but were unable to make a difference to the score line and half time came at 5-0.

The 2nd half saw West Bridgford using the wind to keep Novos pegged back in their own half, and Novos having to work hard to try and gain territory.

5mins in, after a stong scrummage from West Bridgford, their fly half evaded a couple of tackles and ran in to score under the posts, which she then converted to make the score 5-7.

The next 20mins was an even contest with both teams unable to break through the strong defences, and play staying mainly in the middle of the pitch.

West Bridgford found themselves down to 14 again after their inside centre was sin binned for persistant infringement. Again, Novos were unable to make the extra player count, and it was West Bridgford who added to their score, when their fly half kicked a penalty to make the score 5-10.
With less than 10 mins remaining on the clock, Novos attacked with renewed vigour, and after some great yards made by the forwards, Chrissy Miller popped the ball to Ruth Scott who went through the gap to race under the posts. The conversion by Fee Shanks made the score 12-10 with only 3 mins left to play.

Novos knew they had to keep the ball secure in order to take the win, and worked hard to do so, with all positions getting involved in the break downs, meaning West Bridgford were unable to get hold of the ball before the final whistle.

A really close game, with lots to work on in training this week before Novos take to the road to meet Birkenhead Park next Sunday.

Forward of the Match : Fee Shanks
Back of the Match : Rachael Fleming

Match report provided by Ruth Scott