Unbeaten in 2014!!!

Novos travelled to Eccles with a full squad of 22, and plenty of travelling support, looking to end the league season strongly. Expectations were high after last weeks 2nd half performance, and Novos started well after kicking off, tackling hard and not allowing Eccles to gain any ground in attack. Novos had the edge in the scrums, which gave a solid platform for the backs to execute their moves, and move up the pitch. Before long, the pressure in attack began to show, and Novos were awarded a penalty, which centre Emma Nichol kicked to give a 0-3 lead. This seemed to settle Novos, and taking a clean catch from kick off, they made their way back into the opposition half. Their first try came after an inside pass saw winger Oli Critchley take a great line. Although she was tackled short, the forwards secured the ball and it was spun wide down the back line for centre Helen Kane to crash over, taking the score to 0-8. Again, from kick off Novos began to make ground, making the Eccles defence work hard with some great offloads and supporting runs. The 2nd try came straight from the training ground, as a blind side move from the scrum was executed perfectly to give winger Oli Critchley space to run in, converted by centre Emma Nichol, and taking the score to 0-15.
Aiming for more tries in the 2nd half, Novos found themselves on the wrong side of the referee, and were penalised time and time again at the breakdown, which allowed Eccles to make their way up the pitch. The Novos defence held firm, and hard hits were flying in, driving Eccles back and forcing handling errors. When Novos did get their hands on the ball, they were playing some good rugby, but strong defence from Eccles meant they couldn’t quite get over the line.
Eccles had much more possession in the last quarter and it took some desperate defence from Novos to stop them crossing the line. They managed to force a turn over and kicked to clear their lines. The kick was collected by Eccles full back, and she made a strong run towards the try line, only stopped by 2nd row Hannah Pollard throwing herself into a high tackle, which saw her given a yellow card. Forced to play the last few minutes of the game with 14, and with Eccles throwing everything at them, Novos worked hard, every person on the pitch tackling well to stop the attack. Eventually, another turnover meant Novos were able to kick the ball to touch with signalled the end of the game, and with no scores in the 2nd half, left the final score at 0-15.
Now the league games have finished, Novos will be looking to continue their good form in the National Intermediate Cup, where they take on Sheffield at home on Sunday 2nd February, for a place in the quarter finals.

Forward of the match: Amy Ross
Back of the match: Helen Kane