Wouldn't say we had the ideal preparation this week after a 4 day Easter Tour to Dusseldorf where we were still celebrating our huge win over Ryton. Then a quiet session on Tuesday as the weekend had perhaps taken its toll on the group. However, Thursday was bright and the boys given a kick up the backside to get back to the grind.

So ahead of a game between a Newcastle club and a Gateshead club - Fortiter Defendit Triumphant becomes an important motto -"triumphing by brave defence" A motto taken from the 1644 civil war, whereby the town showed stubborn defence against the Scots.

Gateshead kicked off with a strong wind behind them, and we were under early pressure. However, heading into the game we had said our attitude in defence would be key. Michael Searle led the way with a big shot under our posts before Dylan Gittins made another hit and got a turnover.

We were present physically in the early exchanges as Rob Baldwin and Louis Matthews were bumping lads off for fun in attack. We were not quite clicking on attack unable to pick out their big lads in defence. After a few messages went on we managed to hit our stride. Andrew Kirton made an amazing one on one tackle on their winger, Louis Matthews jamming on the ball. Quick taps and further pens got us into Gateshead's 22m. Cam Wallace probed from the base, stepping one of their big lads and off load to Sion Gittins, He powered over from 8-10m out for our first try, putting us 5-0 up.

The ref was very vigilant on high tackles throughout but probably should have carded some one early to change the techniques of both sides. Gateshead went into our 22m after a few whistles in their favour, rightly so. Rob Baldwin made a big steal and we went 70m up the pitch after Rhys Merlane raced down the sideline. Louis Matthews bounced a lad and offloaded to Michael Searle who carried a lad on his back for about 10m. From the resulting ruck Cam Wallace again found a big lad to attack and with a double step of his left went over. Try converted by Josh Farley for 12-0.

From the kick off Sam Brooks managed to kick a 50/22 despite playing into a strong wind. We went to the power game again as the forwards carried hard. Andrew Kirton rode the contact of two defenders and off loaded to Louis Matthews, he drove over and placed the ball on the line for the try. Good spot by the ref. Extras added by Josh Farley to make it 19-0 at half time.

Oli Taylor on at half time - vague memories of his debut for the club against Gateshead whereby he scored with his first touch.

The second half started with us winning the gain line battle again. About 40m out Rob Baldwin picked up a loose ball and could probably have run it in himself. However, he broke down the middle and then bounced out to the wing. There he moved the ball to Sam Brooks who was too fast for the cover and went in. Conversion again added by Josh Farley for 26-0.

Rob Baldwin and Louis Matthews off - both were massive against Ryton and led the way in terms of physicality in this match. On came Ant McQuillin and Tom Westgarth. The latter making an impact straight away with a turnover.

On 50 mins Sam Brooks went in for his second - classic bounce pass try from Cam Wallace. Some finish from the youngster as he fended off his man, broke to the outside and fended off the last man. 31-0 up.

From the kick off Ollie Taylor rose the highest to win the ball. We moved it left and Cam Wallace kicked a 50/22 although it was actually from one 22 to the other. Despite that field position it was Gateshead that scored next, bit of a soft one as we allowed them to break down the middle. They finished it off well though and made it 31-5.

We then scored our best try of the match via some good team structure - eventually leading to Josh Farley putting in "snake hips" Sion Gittins. He stepped a few defenders to score under the posts. Simple conversion added by Josh Farley, 38-5.

The boys then came under a bit of pressure as Tom Westgarth was carded for about the 10th high tackle in the game. Didn't mind the decision but no point carding someone with 9 mins to go when all the rest were penalties only. Novos had looked to survive as Andrew Kirton put in a big hit and then carried an attacker over for a goal line drop out. However, Gateshead eventually scored their second try, conversion added 38-12.

Shouts of last try is the winner led to the boys rallying one last time as Sam Brooks made a tackle out wide and Dylan Gittins won the ball. We worked our way down field before scoring the most popular try of the day. That glory went to Andrew Kirton who capped a fine performance with a try under the posts. Conversion added by Josh Farley to make the final score 45-12.

Thanks to the ref (Andrew Temple) who had a good game, very consistent with the whistle and the game was played in good spirits which he played a big part in.

Cheers to the Gateshead boys - a great first season in the league for you. Avoiding relegation is massive that first season - I think we only won three games our first season at level 7. In addition, you are a young side and are only going to get better with time. Was great to see all the old fellas in the bar afterwards.

Novos lads - huge banana skin avoided after a big win against Ryton then a four day tour. Says a lot about your character when you are prepared to rock up and defend like we did in that first half. Just two games to go now, six points needed to win the league. Next week we host Medicals before finishing the season at home to Acklam. Our next focus is winning those games and going the season unbeaten at home.

Up the Vos !