Ladies miss out by a whisker

Novos travelled the relatively short distance to West Park Leeds after a weekend off from league action. Conditions were not great, with a strong cross wind blowing, but from the warm up, Novos were determined to try and play rugby. Although Leeds had the better of the possession in the opening quarter, Novos stuck to their task, tackling well and kept their shape and organisation, so Leeds were unable to break through. When Novos did get the ball in hand, they made ground, but were unable to create a sustained period of pressure. Unfortunately, after giving away a succession of penalties, Leeds were able to work their way up the pitch, and with some forward drives, their flanker drove over the line. The conversion was missed, making the half time score 5-0.

Still being in touch at half time has been a rarity for away games, so Novos were determined to keep up the work rate. Leeds came out of the blocks strongly though, and after making ground through their forwards, the inside centre took a superb line to score under the posts, converting it to take the score to 12-0.

Novos fought straight back and worked the ball up the pitch. From a penalty, scrum half Steph Maddison went quickly and barged through the defence, only to lose the ball over the line. However, Novos stayed camped in the Leeds 22 and a set move in the backs gave winger Rachael Fleming space to score, converted by centre Emma Nichol and making the score 12-7.

Unfortunately, Novos found themselves behind the posts again, when Leeds scored a virtual carbon copy of their 2nd try, and extended their lead to 19-7. Novos were determined not to let the game slip away from them, and some great passing and off loads between forwards and backs made space for full back Janey Eccles to dance her way under the posts, again converted by Emma Nichol. Buoyed on by the travelling support, Novos made ground back up the pitch and put real pressure on the Leeds line, pressing for the winning score. They were awarded a scrum with the last play of the game, but with the ball coming straight out the tunnel, the referee blew for full time, leaving Novos with only a losing bonus point, but their best away performance to date.