Novos 23, Guisborough 25 - Errors Prove Costly

Guisborough started in the ascendancy but we showed great patience in defence with 8-10 phases before we turned the ball over at the breakdown. However, the story of the first half was about our turnovers - our first lineout we went two passes and dropped the ball. This gifted Guisborough territory and possession without much effort.

Our opponents kept the ball pretty well to eventually score near the posts to make the score 7-0.

We battled back into the game but again the error count was high with a lost lineout and another error on our 1st phase of attack. Despite these missed opportunities we did manage to camp in Guisborough's 22m. After a spell of pressure Guisborough conceded a penalty which Lewis Chater slotted for 3-7.

The half came to a close with scrum dominant but our individual error count mounting as we missed an opportunity to score. Again though we pinned them in their half and worked hard to get another three points. This time Chater picked himself up after a head high tackle was penalised to slot another kick.

We were delighted to be playing so poorly and still be in the game at 6-7.

The boys started the second half well driving into our opponents half. On a penalty advantage we chipped the ball over the defence for Rhys Merlane and Lewis Chater chasing hard. Chater one the race and scored under the posts - kicking the conversion as well for 13-7 Novos up.

Gusiborough tried to respond and charged down a box kick - we panicked a bit and put in a poor clearance kick. The ball was moved to space for Guisborough to score a fine counter attack try but one that was very avoidable. Novos still ahead 13-12.

We missed another opportunity to score but tried to stay on attack. However, a missed tackle led to a line break and we found ourselves back in our half. Guisborough kept us under pressure until we conceded again 13-17 down now.

As a group we have had some fortuitous bounces of the ball in recent weeks. It happened again as for the second week running we missed touch only for the ball to once again land in the arms of Harry Tankard. He sprinted in to score in the corner to give us back the lead 18-17.

From the kick off we came under pressure again although we did manage to stop a certain try as their big prop was somehow held up over the line. Guisborough were awarded a penalty for a high tackle and a successful kick but the back into the lead in a topsy turvy game 18-20.

Barney Youlden got the kick off spot on in terms of distance as we regathered the kick and tore into the Guisborough 22m. After several phases on the try line Rhys Merlane darted in at the edge of the ruck. 23-20 after we missed the conversion.

So up by three with about 8 mins to go. However, we couldn't keep them out as one more poor clearance was field by their big prop. He carried hard into our half and the moved the ball into space for their match winner. 23-25 to Guisborough.

Thank you to Graham Crozier for an excellent display of reffing. The best side one and the game was incredibly competitive all around the park due to his reffing.

Well done to Guisborugh - your 10 controlled the game well and the replacement prop was influential, though your 15 probably made the most yardage with his side stepping.

Our boys - didn't play well as a team with some individual errors costing us tries. However, last season we were nowhere neat top three so amazing journey to just lose to Guisborough and feel annoyed that we didn't get the win. Our squad is much stronger than last season and now we need to start getting the wins that our ability deserves.

This needs to start next week with Hartlepool away.