Rockets Match Report #1 v Tynedale

Tynedale (h) 01/12/13

Report by John Liddell.

Novos MA 3: Sonny McDonnell, JPL, Alistair Wilks, Niall Boothroyd, Tom Steele, Daniel Ellam, Callum Histed, Sam Ogilvie, Findlay Davison.

Both the Novos and Tynedale squads were split into 3 separate mixed ability sides, giving all the lads an opportunity to test themselves against the whole of the opposition across 3 matches.

Novos3 kicked off against a determined and well organised Tynedale3 and within seconds were a try down after an opportunist Tynedale run through the heart of our defence. A slightly rattled Novos then lost the ball soon after the restart and Tynedale ran in another to make it two. Novos rallied and some good defensive work from Sonny, Tom and JPL cancelled out a number of Tynedale runs before Sam had a try disallowed.

Half time and it felt like Novos were back into the game but Tynedale always had more edge and scored another four tries in the second half making the final score 6-0. Not quite as one sided as it sounds but Tynedale had been quicker and stronger in the ruck and Novos needed to transfer all the good work put in on the training pitch in recent weeks into practice if they were to get a result in the next games.

A quick break and a productive team talk later and Novos3 were ready to take on Tynedale1. The difference in their play was immediately obvious with the whole team putting in a great all round performance, and most importantly, out rucking their opponents. Novos were winning two out of every three rucks and never allowed Tynedale to settle into their game. Searching runs down the wings from Findlay and Sonny kept the Tynedale defence stretched while Alistair and Niall battled in the middle. Sam and Sonny grabbed first half tries but each time the lead was cancelled out by a Tynedale score. Tynedale started the second half with a quick try to take the lead but Novos found another gear and took back control. Sonny was neatly played in by a clever pop pass from Findlay to score and JPL charged through two tackles to add another. Tynedale tried to force themselves back into the game with some physical play but Novos were always a match for them and Sam soon ran in another try to complete a deserved 5-3 win for Novos.

Novo3 went into their final game against Tynedale2 full of confidence and it showed. The tough tackling of Tom, JPL and Alistair, the charging runs of Sonny, Sam and Findlay, and the quick passing of Niall and Daniel all combined perfectly to shut Tynedale out of the match. By half time Novos were 4-0 up with three tries from Sonny and one from Sam. Callum came on in the second half and bravely threw himself into the rucks often combining nicely with Sam. Tynedale managed to pull one back and began to look dangerous as Novos tired. In the closing seconds of the game, Novos were pushed back to their own try line but a great full team performance of tackling and rucking denied Tynedale. In amongst the melee the always alert Daniel snatched up the ball and laid a perfect pass to Sam who then ran the length of the pitch, side stepping three defenders, to score a brilliant solo try and ensure the game ended with a 5-1 win to Novos.

Next, both squads were streamed into 1st, 2nd and 3rd teams to take on their counterparts in a final game. Novos 2nds, comprising of Theo M, Dan G, JPL, Matthew W, Jarno, Ben C, Aiden, Sam O & Ryan, looked a bit tired and a few players were carrying injuries and knocks picked up in the previous 3 games. It was another psychical encounter with Tynedale looking the slightly more alert of the two teams. A scrappy game ensued with Tyndale scoring a try in each half. Novos went close on a couple of occasions and also had a try disallowed but this was Tynedale's game and it ended 2-0 to the visitors.

Matthew Willcock deserves a mention for putting in a series of flawless tackles, often as the last man in defence, which undoubtedly kept the score down. Well played.