Novos 26, Bishop Auckland 20 - Meatloaf

Delighted to arrive at 1430 after my school match and see the boys kitted out and into their warm up over the back. In addition, the 2's seemed organised and ready to go on the far pitch. Thank you to all of the support team for helping get the boys ready.

Bishop Auckland looked a lot heavier than us so our prep at training to play fast, explore kicking stood us in good stead.

Rhys Merlane back into the squad after missing last week was the first to benefit after a quick tap from Sion Gittins in our own half. Merlane made a 50m dash from the breakdown as Bish tried to recover their defensive line. After some pick and go play Tom Taylor crashed over his first try of the season.

Our second try was a carbon copy of the first as another quick tap resulted in a line break and took us deep into Bish's half. Lewis Chater hit a cross field kick and we went close to scoring. However, some more close quarter carrying saw Shaun Stewart dive over to make it 10-0.

The boys set piece was looking strong with Tom Dias connecting with Darren Kelly and George Bambrick. In addition, our lighter scrum coped well with Jonny McSorley and Tom Taylor low and powerful with Matt Dawson and Jonny Allton adding their power in the row.

Bishop Auckland had a reasonable spell of pressure after 20 mins and got over the gain line earning a few penalties. They score their first try to make it 10-5 despite not really being in the came up till this point.

Novos went back to dominating the game with our rolling maul which Bishop Auckland struggled with all day. They kept us out a couple of time but conceded penalty's in doing so. After a few attempts last seasons top try scorer went over in Tom Dias 15-5.

We felt like we were in control of proceedings but Bishop Auckland scored for 15-10

Novos scored the bonus point try on 38 mins - again after Bish conceded a few penalty's trying to keep us out. Once again Tom Dias was on the coat tails of the boys in front of him for another try from a rolling maul.

We missed all four difficult conversions so 20-10 was probably less than what we deserved on the score card for our dominance.

On came Alex Cleminson and Michael Searle with Ben Rodgers coming on for his debut at hooker shortly after the first half started.

We struck first after Michael Searle converted a penalty in front of the posts to push us out to 23-10 but it was at this time we lost control of the game. Darren Kelly looked to have injured his ankle pretty badly and Tom Taylor came off with a neck/back injury after a scrum. Bishop Auckland gained control of the game as their ball carriers started dominating the gain line. They were playing their best rugby of the day although we did sit back and let them get on a roll.

Our opponents scored two tries nice tries to make it 23-20 with 15 mins to play - game on as they went deep into our 22m. Just when they looked in for a try Sion Gittins got a vital turnover. Five mins later were were under the cosh again until George Bambrick got the turnover at the breakdown. It was great to see our battling spirit during this period - something we did not show enough of last season.

We finished the game hot on attack with the boys finding a way to get across the line for the win. Michael Searle getting a steal in front of the posts and kicking the penalty for a 26-20 win.

Thank you to Anthony Lowery who I thought had an excellent game with the whistle and was great to catch him briefly after the game.

Was great to see Steven Colwell and his boys again - got some big lads and when you guys got on a roll controlling the gain line you were all over us. Look forward to seeing you at your place later on in the season.

Two wins from three matches is a reasonable start before heading into a difficult game away to Sunderland next Saturday. However, the boys are in a good place with lots of learning occurring at training. Was great to see a few of our uni lads back this weekend with more to arrive this week.
We will need them after a few injuries across the sides this weekend.

Up the Vos !