Novos selected a squad of 20 for this vital league game but lost 2 players on the morning of the game. A reshuffle saw Emily Yarrow start her first game of the season in the unaccustomed wing position! Rachel Moses normally a back row lined up in the centre.

Coach Chris Fife had spoken of the need to step up to the plate and whilst we knew Darlington would be bigger we were confident in our forwards, who have not taken a backward step all season, to secure enough ball for our talented back division.

From the Start Novos pressured their bigger opponents and at times bullied their opposite number with tough and resloute defence and thrusting runs through out the side.

The Leagues top scorer Shauna Veitch opened the scoring when she scored from the base of the scrum following a well worked move. It was her 9th try of the season and her 8th in league game competition.

Chris Fife was pulling his hair out moments later when a quick penalty UNDER THE POSTS was ran instead of kicking points. Shauna took the quick tap and after a couple of rucks, Novos freed some space for Emily Yarrow to score her first ever try from the wing. A feat that was expertly described as an 'emotional' moment later (What she actually said is unprintable!)

Darlington resorted to some stong arm tactics to regain momentum but Scrapping Skipper Jan Man had some harsh words for her opposite number who appeared to be engaging in hair pulling.

After more pressure, Novos Penned Darlington into their own half, Again great forward work from the irrepressable Novos back row created more space for the backs and Rachel Cooper stormed through to score.

The Second half was one way traffic and a bonus point was secured when Skipper Janette Shaw scooped from the back of a ruck and found space to drive over and score.

Shauna Vetch added her tenth try of the season seizing on a mistake and using her electric pace to take her beyond the despairing Darlington defence.

All in all a very strong performance from the team. Back of the match was was Racheal 'fiddler' Moses and Emily Yarrow for playing so well out of position.

The Back row never failed again setting a good platform to work off and the front five played well were solid as a rock in the face of a tough, uncompromising and very big pack.

Forward of the match was again Sel Makin whose non-stop running and commitment is a constant thorn in opposition sides.

Novos should be very proud of this side, now unbeaten in 5 games and only conceding 3 points all season, they are yet to have the try line breached and are in the process of signing several new players to bolster the squad and give even more competition for places.

Promotion is now the aim for this squad but there is a lot of rugby to be played between now and the end of the season, The Panthers will not allow complacency to creep in and hopefully can continue this fine form!