Three home fixtures on this very special weekend for Novos, 1sts have a rearranged kick off with Gosforth to accommodate, 3rds take on Northern and the Centurians take on North Shields Crusaders.

This week Novos welcome the family of Tess Allen as our very special guests, Tess was a proper Novo best remembered for his laid back style and total commitment to the Centurians cause, he was a 4th team stalwart and mercurial talent. The silver fox as he was known had a unique warm up for games, usually taking the last draw on his smoke as the ball was kicked off! An all out Legend of a bloke who always lived the true values of social rugby, Tess was never bothered whether it was a win, a loss or a draw – it was all about getting together with friends, having a run about and a bloody good laugh and we warmly welcome his family as they take in the Centurians match as they take on North Shields Crusaders in the league.

The Silver Fox will never be forgotten by those of us who were privileged enough to play with him or enjoy the sheer pleasure of his company, and a trophy, kindly donated by Ann, will be presented to the player from the 3rds or 4ths who it is felt has contributed most to the team and to Novos, it doesn’t have to be the fastest or most skilful but, the man, like Tess, who contributes to make sure his mates have a great time on and off the pitch. It is great we are now able to make sure he’s remembered by our younger players who never had the chance of meeting the great man.

We’re trying to get back as many of the old players who played with Tess over the years (there’s hundreds as he must have played for almost every team we’ve put out over the past four decades or so!) so do please pass the word around.

C’mon lads - let’s have a good turn out even if you’re not playing and sink a pint or two for Tess!

As a side to the main event, Novos 1st team play host to rivals Gosforth at the third attempt, the previous two attempts were defeated by the weather, though it is unlikely that this will be a problem this weekend meaning that finally we can get this game played.

Gosforth are firmly set in mid table and have enjoyed a mixed set of results in 2012 – superb wins over Hartlepool Rovers and Stockton have been followed by a defeat to Novos relegation rivals, Ponteland last week, a result that left Novos further adrift at the bottom of the league. Gosforth of course are long time rivals of Novos, this is a fixture that has taken place for over 100 years and one Novos need to see a return from if they are to climb off the bottom of the league before the trap door slams shut – There is a lot of rugby between now and then and Novos will never give up as long as there is a chance we will be giving it all to stay up – And if we do go down, we have to go down swinging!

Last week saw Novos humbled away to Hartlepool Rovers, a very disappointing result that saw Novos have a typically English ‘batting collapse’ just after half time after being well in the game in the first half. There can be no more repeats of this profligacy.
Novos name a squad that are capable of so much more than the lowly league position would show and the coaching team and the Senior Squad have faith that if we pull together then this season is not to be written off just yet.

In the front row Gus Graham rotates into prop for James Forbes, Ben Walker is at hooker and Pete Twentyman completes the front three. Micheal Reidy is unavailable so Tom Aylott comes in for a debut in the 2nd row alongside Ed Yuill and the back row is once again unchanged with Skipper Jamie Wallace lining up with regular back rowers Ben Merrett and Will Trick.

In the backs there is a return for James Bass at scrum half with Dan Bollado retained at stand off, In the centres, Sam Burnside also returns along with Shaun Stewart. Out wide Rory Diggle and Ben Adcock are the pace men and Graeme Jardine is at full back

On the bench James Forbes and Matty Bradford are accompanied by Rob Campbell, another in line for a debut.

Club President Jonny Dias feels that despite a tough week for the Firsts last time out, there is plenty to be pleased with from last weekend ‘OK, so we hold our hands up and it wasn’t the finest hour for the 1st XV result wise, but given the situation we are in I am still proud of the fight shown by the lads in training which I guess no one sees and surely that will reap a reward before the season is done. Putting that aside though, what a great weekend! The 2nd XV had an awesome Cup win over WB Rockcliff, the Ladies dispatched Team Northumbria and proudly sit 4th in the second division of Ladies National rugby. But Pride of Place must go to the U15s who beat Morpeth to progress to the semi-final of the Cup – these lads represent the future of the Club so please do turn up to support them whenever we can announce the semi final fixture.’

‘Looking ahead, we have a massive day on Saturday when the 1st XV play their (twice) delayed match against Gosforth and we also celebrate a truly legendary Novocastrian on Tess’ Day when both the Development and Centurions sides are at home in the league. Ann Allan is coming with her family to present the new Tess Allan trophy so I do hope you can join in showing our respect and reliving great memories of the Silver Fox.’

The 3rd XV have an early shot at revenge over Northern following a narrow loss last week in the cup and Ian Pratt is able to welcome back several players missing from that lineup and hopes this will turn the tide his teams way for this always tough league encounter.

The Centurians of course are what Saturday is all about, they were Tess’ team all of his mates are expected to turn out – whether to play or to watch and Im sure the Silver Fox will be looking down and smiling, not because of any results but just because he liked nothing better than seeing a bunch of his mates pulling together to play rugby and have a few pints for Novos, full pitches, a full clubhouse and a full beer glass - though I reckon he wouldn’t be too sure of this warming up lark the Centurians seem to be getting into! We hope Ann and Tess’ family enjoy the day as much as Tess would have done.

Chris Cursons side is yet to be finalised but the likes of Andy Croft, Pete Douthwaite, Will Moses and Duncan McKenzie are all set to feature in a strong line up

*Please note due to circumstances beyond our control the 1st XV kick off will be 2:15 pm and NOT 12:15pm as previously advised