Novos 32, Sunderland 31 - Derby Day Delight

We went into this fixture with a strong side despite some availability across our three squads. Great to have Johnny McSorley back into the squad and have the like of Freddie Nickalls and Ben Jubb playing whilst home from uni.

Despite solid plans during the week to make the game uncomfortable for our opponents Sunderland started the stronger. They pinned us in our 22m and earned an early penalty. They opted for the scrum and made a big statement by pushing us over our line for a try.

We responded well with Michael Searle turning the ball over underneath Sunderland's posts although we some how managed to bomb two clear chances to score. Sunderland box kicked their way out and the ball fell between our lines of defence. Against the run of play Sunderland had some how absorbed the pressure and gone up the other end and scored to make it 12-0.

The game felt competitive but we needed to fix our width in defence to make them come down the middle. The boys went back on the attack and missed another opportunity as Rhys Merlane nearly scored from a kick in behind. From a scrum we executed the timeless classic "Rangi" as Ben Jubb targeted the 10 before offloading to Dylan Gittins to score near the posts. Conversion added by Michael Searle 12-7, game on.

We had turned the tide and gained the momentum in the game with some great defence from the whole group. Back on attack - Dylan Gittins saw an opportunity as Sunderland "iced" the ruck allowing Gittins to pick the ball up and make a break. He was scragged but managed to off load the ball to Rhys Merlane for the try - 12 all.

The last time we played Sunderland their 9 and 10 dictated play under little or no pressure but this time we made it uncomfortable for them. Both players were constantly put under pressure and struggled to make clean passes or execute exits. We forced a poor kick allowing Merlane to grab his second try of the match.

Sunderland came back into the game with a high tackle penalty which was kicked to the corner. They moved the point of contact which didn't look great in terms of obstruction but bundled over. Conversion added this time for Sunderland to retake the lead 19-17.

The topsy turvy game continued as we scored an outstanding team try via Sion Gittins. Conversion added by Searle 24-19. We got back to back points as Searle was hit high and got back up to kick the penalty making it 27-19.

We looked in control but the game got messy and we got a bit emotional - making some poor decisions for the first time in the game. Sunderland on the back of two penalty's scored a much over try to bring it back to 27-26. It then looked like they were going to take the lead as they had a break down the left in front of the balcony. Then a big cheer from our supporters as Sam Busby picked off the 2 v 1 pass and raced in from 50m out. We missed the vital kick which kept Sunderland in it at 32-26.

Another penalty to Sunderland was kicked into the corner and the rumbled over and in a pile of bodies the try was awarded. Sunderland's usually accurate kicker was having an off day by his standards and he again missed the conversion.

Our defence throughout the match was outstanding and with a one point lead the energy in the groups was amazing. In particular some telling hits from Ben Jubb stopping Sunderland making breaks. We finished the game off with some keep ball and denied Sunderland of possession.

Big upset given the score last time out where Sunderland ran riot in the first half. The pack were amazing throughout - albeit one scrum we managed to win our own ball and not allows Sunderland's set piece to dictate the result. Jeremy Hunt and Ewan Strachan talked everything and the back row were immense with the Gittins brothers shining on attack and defence. In the backs Ben Jubb and Michael Searle were outstanding creating one try but more importantly shutting down Sunderland's attempts to win the gain line battle.

Thanks to Yannick Debil for taking charge of the match in what was his first game at our level. Some great decision making at the breakdown allowing for continuity in possession for both teams. Pleased we sat down after the game and got to have a chat about some things I didn't understand. Wish you luck in the rest of your season.

Next week we are away to Rovers where we will need to back up this win. Rovers are much better than their league position suggests and put in a spirited performance at Medicals before losing 20-11.

Up the Vos !