Novos 50, South Shields & Westoe 14 - Big Away Win

A strong squad was selected with availability pretty good this week - some tough decisions had to be made with a few regular first teamers playing for the 2's. The playing group seems to be in a good place at the moment with us getting three sides out every week.

We were pleased to play up the slope in the first half with energy high and a plan to get to the middle and look to rewind the ball and find mismatches. Dylan Gittins was pretty prominent in the opening exchanges as he was able to manipulate space and make a few breaks. We went into Westoe's half and won a lineout off the top. Michael Searle fed Dylan Gittins who stepped their centre and passed to Harry Tankard. His pass to Sam Busby didn't go to hand but sat up for Sam Busby to gather and race in from 30 out. After he scored words were exchanged about a possible forward pass - Spanish exchange ref didn't appreciate it and awarded a penalty try. A strange start to proceedings.

The home side were much heavier than us and with some one out rugby were able to apply some pressure. We conceded some early penalty's which allowed Westoe to get their maul attack going. They were hard to stop at times and scored a converted try after 5 mins on our try line.

From the kick off Westoe didn't find touch as Matthew Dawson fielded the ball and hit Sam Busby in stride. His up and under went unclaimed by Westoe but sat up for Harry Tankard. He outpaced the cover defender to go in untouched under the posts. Conversion added by Searle for 14-7 Novos.

Our pack were playing well - Johnny McSorley was causing carnage on his side as we got a very rare tighthead against a side that has historically beat us up at scrum time. However, our next try was pretty lucky as we missed touch from a penalty. Once again the Westoe player did not field the ball which he instead tried to control with his feet. Michael Searle was the quickest to the loose ball and hacked it ahead. Lewis Chater won the race to ball and got to roll in the hay for his efforts. Nice conversion added by Searle 21-7.

We finished the half with one more kick and regather try as Lewis Chater was at his mercurial best with a chip and regather on half way. He then instantly fed Harry Tankard who beat the fullback to score near the posts. Conversion again added by Searle to make the half time score 28-7. An amazing achievement up the slope.

The boys spoke about kicking and trapping Westoe in the bottom corner - on came Tom Craven to make his debut in the second row.

Novos remained on top as we got a couple of tightheads and kicked well pinning Westoe back into their 22. We drove at the line put were stopped just short. Johnny McSorley scooped up the ball and drove over from 2m out. 33-7 but we perhaps then took our foot off the gas.

Westoe had their best spell of the game - we conceded quite a few penalties and were perhaps lucky to not get a man in the bin. The home side scored a decent converted try to close the gap to 33-14. Tom Dias on as well as Barney Youlden for his first team debut at ten. Again Westoe applied pressure, camping themselves in our 22m. However, our defence was awesome as the big Westoe lads were smashed back on every occasion - Michael Searle was outstanding during this period with some huge hits.

We dominated the last 15 mins despite a yellow card to Tom Taylor. It was our turn to showcase our driving maul as Louis Matthews went over and was soon joined by a second for Johnny McSorley. Novos pushing the score out. to 43-14 with two mins to go.

The boys finished with one final kick to score as a cross field chip from Barney Youlden was regathered by Brandon Gilbert. Beautiful offload on the inside to Louis Matthews who was now playing in the centres. He in turn offloaded to George Bambrick to gallop in from 20 out. With the final kick of the game Lewis Chater added a great conversion to make the final score 50-14.

Thank you to South Shields & Westoe for the game and some great hospitality afterwards. As an ex player it was sad to see the state of the clubhouse but delighted to see some old friends who are doing everything they can to get the club back on track. Good volunteers are vital at rugby clubs and hopefully you will have the clubhouse open again soon.

Thank you to the Spanish exchange ref - I struggled at times to understand some decisions and the players were too slow to adjust to your interpretations. Hopefully you enjoyed the day and the opportunity to ref.

Michael Searle was awarded man of the match by our opponents after a huge defensive effort. I thought Johnny McSorley was excellent and Dylan Gittins and Louis Matthews were dangerous attacking around the fringes. In the backs Lewis Chater was creative with the likes of Harry Tankard and Sam Busby lethal in space.

Next week we have Guisborough at home - a difficult opponent who are in good form. However, we will be desperate to keep our 100% home record.

Up the Vos !