3's Successful Cup Run

In a pulsating Saturday afternoon, the third team arrived at Northern to prepare for the Cup Final against North Shields, whose side contained a few ex Novos players looking to make a point and guide North Shields to victory. It had been a great season to get us to this point and what promised to be a barnstorming match.

As Novos took to the field the referee blew the whistle to start the game, the talismanic Christian Selkirk at Number 10 took a knock to the head but bravely battled on. In the early exchanges North Shields dominated with a creative fullback and good line out set piece gaining initial territory. 10 minutes in a salivating last-ditch tackle from Novos fullback Adam Lambert prevented North Shields from scoring the opening try. 15 minutes in the man mountain Lex Leonard broke away in a 100m sprint that Usain Bolt would be proud off to score the opening try, which Harry Jones converted.

Novos continued to dominantly defend the gain line with Lambert and Leonard in particular on top of their defensive game. 30 minutes in Tom Platt (who is doing a 12 month placement at the London Royal ballet), showed the lads his dazzling pirouette which drew looks of lust from the ladies in the crowd. Following sustained pressure from Novos 39 minutes in and just before HT, Novos scored their second try from Own Reece Jones and left the HT score at Novos 12- North Shields-0.

Following the second half getting underway both sides made changes, Shields came out fired up and 43 minutes in Shields hit back through former Novos player Ross Glasper with Will Evans another former player converting to make it 12-7 to Novos.

47 minutes in Novos scored their third try through Charlie Wilson, a team try beginning with some skilful interplay between Platt, Tom Storey (Teesside) and Jones. Harry Jones was unlucky not to convert and this made the score 17-7.

53 minutes in and Novos scored their 4th try of the game through Ben Wilkinson and the conversion was just missed making the score 22-7.

However 53 minutes in a buoyant North Shields came back and through sustained pressure scored a try with the conversion missed making it 22-12. 63 minutes in Lex Lenard scored Novos fifth try after Shields spilled the ball outside the 22 with Leonard into finish and secure his second try of the final, Novos converting to make it 29-12.

On the 70th minute a battling Shields applying pressure scored their third try which Evans converting it making the score 29-19. 77 minutes in looking to seal it Ant McQuillan earned his dick of the day award for just failing to pop it to Ross Clemmison for a certain try.

79 minutes in Shields scored their 4th try through Will Evans who also converted it making it 29-26, which signals the end of the match and Novos win!!

A great victory for the team and achievement to end a fabulous season for the thirds.

Congrats to Nth Shield's on making the final and performing well - another 5 mins and they may have been another winner. Cheers also to Mike Bowers for a well reffed afternoon of rugby. Finally, thank you to Northern for the hospitality in hosting the final.

Big shout out to all the lads who played a part in this season, with big thanks to Crofty, Stevie and Ian Wood for all the efforts they put in on a Saturday to lay the foundations of this success.

Up the Vos ! Now for the 2's final on Saturday