Novos 61, Northern 2's 15 - Cup Win

The boys prepared well during the week looking at high tempo, low risk rugby and setting the backs up differently from a set piece. However, in true Novos fashion our build up was disrupted as Morgan Scrace was injured in the warm up with a cut to the head. The big front rower was desperate tome his debut but the cut was in an awkward place so he had to observe the entire match pitch side. So it was no surprise hat Northern made the better start as their heavy pack went into the 22m before scoring out wide. Wake up call.

We then set to task with the game plan as we went pretty direct - some strong carries and great off loading led to Sam Bird going over to make it 5 all. Novos scored back to back after an incredible run out of defence from Harry Tankard. He beat several defenders and then off loaded to Rhys Merlane who was in support. Great try and we went into the lead 10-5.

The game was pretty open as we played fast and looked to keep the ball moving. After 15 mins Sam Busby game into the game with two moments of brilliance. First he somehow put a grubber thru the defensive line when there seemed to be no space for Greg Abibu to score. Then he plucked a Harry Tankard cross field kick out of the air with one hand to score under the posts. Novos 22-5 as Tankard added the conversion.

We piled on the pressure, moving Northern's heavy pack around and they struggled to keep up. The backs moved the ball in front of their posts as Brandon Gilbert off loaded to Greg Abibu. With 80m to run Abibu out paced the defence and with just the 15 left he executed an excellent in and away to go the length. Conversion missed as both team kickers struggled to kick the balls provided - some yellow looking thing.

Northern scored a good try to bring the score to 27-10 before we ended the first half scoring with Brandon Gilbert dotting down after some great support play.

Half time saw Ollie Towe come at 9, Ewan Strachan making his first team debut at 6 and Matthew Russell on at 15.

Novos started well in the second half with a double from Charlie Lawlor from close range. The big tighthead has come on strong since returning to the club after a few seasons out. It has been great to see him reconnect with the club and he had a great game. His first try was a pick and go before adding his second on the back of a rolling maul. Novos 42-10

Northern showed plenty of spirit all day and deservedly went in for there third try on 60 mins to make it 42-15 with their 12 playing well and their big lads willing to carry hard.

We put on Lewis Chater and he made an immediate impact with a cross field kick for Dylan Gittins to score and Sam Bird adding the conversion. Then we scored a bizarre try as Northern thought they had kicked the ball out but Sam Bird picked it up and ran off with it ! Only one Northern las was switched on as Bird drew him in allowing Chater to race in for 54-15.

Our final try was another try from distance as Matthew Russell raced in from 50m out with Chater adding the conversion to make the final score 61-15.

Thank you to Northern for hosting the game within the spirit of the cup as in theory you could've played your entire first team against us as none of them are cup tied. Was great to say hello to Old Allanian Sam Bowers - always great to see kids you have coached still playing rugby.

Thank you to Craig Wrightson for taking charge of the game - showed incredible resolve to get through the game after struggling with a calf injury after just 20 mins.

Next week we travel to Ponteland for a huge game after they had a great win against Percy Park 2's yesterday. Not a game I enjoy generally but hopefully availability is good so we can have a real crack at getting back to back league wins for the first time this season.

See you all at training.