Novos 31, Rockcliff 47 - Rugby Rollercoaster

A young Novos squad suffered a bonus point loss at Rockcliff but some major positives with 6 points from our first two away games.

The boys got off to a poor start as Rockcliff grabbed the initiative from the kick off with their 8 and 12 controlling the gain line battle. They scored two soft tries in the first 15 mins as we were penalised heavily. Gifting Rockcliff possession and territory without much effort.

Twelve points down we started to build into the game. We managed to up the tempo of the game with some quick taps and scored from the second one as Ben Jubb put in Lewis Chater on the short side. Conversion added from wide out by Harry Tankard. Major fracas in the in goal area as Sam Busby was thrown to the floor with 18 Rockcliff players and a coach in close vicinity. Alex Cokeley went to his rescue and was put out of the game by a punch whilst held by about three lads. Not great behaviour by other club.

Michael Searle thrown on early to replace the outgoing Cokeley and he made an immediate impact with a turnover at the breakdown. From the resulting penalty Sam Busby took a quick tap and raced thru the defensive line. He was supported Lewis Chater and Luke Masters with Masters the receiver of the final pass to make it 12 all.

We were unable to keep the pressure on as we dropped too many kick offs on the day - Rockcliff took advantage all afternoon of us gifting them territory and possession. Converted try for the home side to go 19-12 up. However, then it was their turn to mess up the kick off receipt as Theo Mouille, Luke Masters and Michael Searle caused disruption. Lewis Chater picked up the loose ball, chipped ahead and regathered. He then fed the ball inside for Zac Smith to score on his debut. Another good conversion added by Harry Tankard 19-19.

Heading into the last ten mins of the half we shot ourselves in the foot allowing Rockcliff to score twice to make it 33-19 at half time.

Charlie Muse on to make his senior league debut and we went back on the hunt to get us back into the game.

On 50 mins a poor clearance went to Sam Busby who stepped a couple and then put on the gas to put Lewis Chater down the touch line for a converted try. 33-26 and game on.

We dominated this period but somehow didn't get much reward with a cynical Rockcliff going unpunished for what seemed a number of indiscretions. Eventually, we broke their defence as Matt Dawson crashed over to make it 33-31 to Rockcliff with 10-15 mins to play.

However, after losing Ben Jubb to a bad shoulder injury we lost our way with Rockcliff scoring one excellent try and then another just before the final whistle.

Congrats to Rockcliff on a deserved win - thought the 8 and 12 completely dominated the gain line battle. Apologies for not heading in for a beer but needed to reflect after some frustration. Didn't think it was a fair playing field at times with some poor standards on the side line. Pleased I got to connect with Ian Moralee on Sunday and congratulate him and agree to address behaviour of both clubs.

Thank you to Craig Wrightson - some great decisions and pleased to have a chat after the game about the controversial moments.

Tough result given that we shot ourselves in the foot on so many occasions - kick off receipts a major issue and a few lineouts out whilst hot on attack. Injuries also having a say with Alex Cokeley and Ben Jubb put out of the game long term. However, loads of positives when you think the pack had such youth in Charlie Muse, Theo Mouille, Sion Gittins, Zac Smith all U20 playing in the pack.

Next week we look to put three sides out for the first time - get involved.