There was a buzz at training on Thursday night as the final run-throughs, practice lineouts and backs moves were played out. Balls were dropped, and players re-group and go again until it was right. Win or lose on Sunday, we have had a great National Cup experience. It’s our first time of entry, so no one knew what to expect. Electronic Match Cards on GMS, affiliated and assigned players only, squads of 22 – all very different to our normal rock-up and play.

Our opening game was away at Durham back in September. Playing on the back pitch with a drone hovering overhead recording the match. We started brightly with 2 tries before half time. The pressure on Durham grew and Novos scored two more. Two yellow cards allowed Durham to get one back before Novos got the last. Final score Durham 7 – 31 Novos.

Two weeks later we were away at Blaydon on the 4G pitch. Again we started brightly with 2 tries in 5 minutes. Blaydon got one back before Novos scored again before half time. We were under pressure after half time with 2 Blaydon tries as they got within a score. But the boys steadied themselves and got 2 more before full-time. Final score Blaydon 15 – 31 Novos.

Round 3 and we we’re off to Penrith – on a bus kindly sponsored by the County RFU. Penrith were quick off the mark and scored first before Novos ran a scrum move to equalise and then go into the lead with a score just before half time. A try to Novos just after half time settled the nerves but a converted penalty brought Penrith back to within 7 points. Solid pressure in the late stages brought penalties in kickable positions with 2 converted. Final score Penrith 10 – 23 Novos.

And now on to our first home game, hosting Hull Ionians to win Group 1 and on to the quarter-finals. Best of luck to the boys. And finally, a shout out for the players not playing on Sunday, but have played in previous cup games – Michael Ashwell, Jack Bolam, Matthew Douglas, Oli Forster, Joe Grant, Fraser Kinnon, Leon Lavery, Max Mallon, Dylan Parr and Ben Wallace.