Novos 34, Hartlepool 14 - Undefeated At Home

The boys went into this fixture with a real desire to get the win and finish September unbeaten at home.

We had discussed at training how vital our start was against an opponent who had not won yet but had lost a few games by just a single score. Hartlepool Rovers were not in the game in the first 10-15 mins as we got our set piece going. Rovers struggled to contain our rolling maul and conceded early pens giving us the momentum we wanted.

After pinning them in Rovers tried to clear their lines but Sam Busby was able to lead a counter attack. With some great support we moved the ball coast to coast as Johnny McSorley put in George Bambrick for our first score. Unfortunately, that was to be McSorley's last involvement in the game after hurting his hamstring. 5-0 Novos.

Great to get the start that the boys talked about on Thursday then see them execute kick off receipts much better than in previous games. We cleared our lines early which was a great decision. Rovers came at us but with some big shots we kept them at bay and forced a turnover. Lewis Chater hacked the ball forward fro Rhys Merlane to race onto. The youngster went in to make it 12-0 after the conversions added by Michael Searle.

Novos were playing some high tempo rugby all based on a solid set piece with George Bambrick dominating the lineout possession after some great throwing accuracy from Sion Gittins. In addition, the scrum was solid with Charlie Lawlor making huge strides this season after his return to rugby. Alongside Mickey Ferguson and Tom Taylor the pack provided a great foundation during the first quarter.

Rovers tried to get back into the match but we again scored an amazing counter attack try with several offloads before the ball was moved to Shaun Stewart to score in the corner. Fantastic side line conversion by Searle to push us out to 19-0.

At the back end of the quarter we perhaps went away from the game plan - got a bit lateral and moved the ball too early. Defensively we sat back and fell off tackles due to not going and getting their carriers. Rovers capitalised and score two good tries to make it 19-14 at half time.

On came Matthew Russell and Alex Cleminson at half time. Discussions about going forward in defence and how that gets us a better hit then in attack kicking from time to time get back to being direct - two passes then take your man on.

Our first try in the second half came from Michael Searle kicking into Rovers 22m where we pinned them in. From the set piece we carried into the middle and as the full back came in the line Lewis Chater put in a beautiful chip which he regathered for the try. Conversion added by Searle.

Up 26-14 and Rovers big lads starting to tire we took control of the gain line with some great carrying from Sion and Dylan Gittins. The brothers were outstanding all day long in attack and defence. We went deep into Rovers territory and won a penalty which Searle kicked to make Rovers need three scores at 29-14.

We finished the game on top as Ian Ramsay, Lewis Chater and Michael Searle pinned Rovers back in their half. From a poor clearance the ball fell into the arms of Sam Busby. He stepped a couple of defenders to go in untouched and continue his great run of form after returning from a long term injury.

Thank you to Charlie for taking charge of the game - some great decisions, very consistent with his rulings on moving the tackler first. Good future with the whistle.

Cheers to the Rovers boys who have had a tough start to the season with a couple of narrow losses. Sure you will turn it around as your ball carriers caused us issues. Best wishes to Liam's rehab - game shifted back to us after he injured his ankle.

Delighted to get two wins after the 3's beat Blyth 2's. Huge shout out to Elliot Smith and Ollie Towe who were originally selected to play for the 1's but had to be removed after registration issues.

Sponsored Man of the Match - Lewis Chater, thank to Andy and Michael for sponsoring.
Leadership Group Man of the Match - Tom Taylor

Great night in the club after the win - boys in fine form, amazing curry provided by Jen's Kitchen. Thank to Nick Cotterill for organising.

Three games again next week so get involved - Up the Vos !

Photo courtesy of Chris Brown