Novos celebrated their RFUW Championship Division One win with a resounding win over a determined and spirited Northumbria team.

What can only be described as a clinical victory, the early exchanges may have made the growing crowd at Sutherland Park think the home team were in for a rough ride. Especially with some Northumbria first team regulars in their number, Northumbria showed great pace out wide and a desire to play with width that initially stretched Novos. However, Novos first visit to the Northumbria 22 saw them score and take the lead. An impressive scrummage saw the smaller Novos pack drive Northumbria off their own ball to create space down the blindside for new signing Steph Maddison to open her try scoring account, Helen Kane only just short with a touchline conversion attempt.

From the restart Northumbria launched an attack and only superb last ditch tackle from Becky Edwards kept Novos try line unbreached. From then on though it was one way traffic with Novos dominating every facet of the game.

Becky Edwards scoring next from a superb period of play where the pack recycled the ball through several phases before Shauna Vetch fired out to the backs, Rachel Cooper threw a great mis-pass and Steph Maddison drew the winger before passing to Becky Edwards who raced to the line.

Next up was skipper Janette Shaw with a typically barnstorming run caused havoc in Northumbrias midfield and she scored under the posts.

The bonus point was in the bag before 30 minutes were on the clock when Kate Disley scored out wide again as the forwards drew the defence narrow with great recycled ball to create the space.

It was one way traffic now as Northumbria couldn't cope with Novos attacking intent and a further score for Rachel Cooper effectively ended the match as a contest before half time.

The Second half showed no let up from a fired up Novos and the introduction of ex Scottish International Cath Cotterill from the bench offered Novos another strong ball carrying option. From Kick off Alice Workman set off on a strong 15 metre run before offloading to Jo Geary who set up a maul in the Northumbria half - Novos drove another 10 metres before Shauna Vetch made space down the blindside to give Becky Edwards another score.

Steph Maddison also got another before Kate Disley scored another two to complete her hat trick and Kerry Short also finished wide out as a reward for some hard work and strong running. Northumbria could find no answer and were beginning to flag Janette Shaw again blasting through the midfield to score under the posts, The Northumbria 15 needlessly taking a swipe at her with a little kick as she went over to score.

Kate Disley got another to score 4 tries in the match and Sel Makin was rewarded with a fine display with a try as the game continued at an incredible pace given the conditions.

Finally as the game drew to a close (10 minutes early!) Shauna Vetch crossed for her 15th try of the season

The forwards proved to be far too powerful and technically correct at the rucks for their opponents, and created a vast supply of fast clean ball. The home crowd witnessed precise rucking and clinical set piece work with Selina Makin and Kate Disley dominating the line outs allowing the backs to run some majestic handling moves enabling players running strong lines to carve through the Northumbria backline. The inter play between backs and forwards created continuity that was a pleasure to watch. The half backs of Shauna Vetch and Rachel Cooper unselfishly provided a continual supply of fast accurate ball for the centres and back three of Kerry Short, Becky Edwards and strong running full back Helen Kane.

It could have been more with further tries from Cath Cotterill and Lucy Mclean chalked off for not grounding(though they did look perfectly fine to me) and the referee deciding to halt the game 10 minutes early

Coaches Chris Fife and Dave Addison were particularly pleased by the holistic team effort and cohesive display between forwards and backs, the offloading and unselfish passing contributed much to this comprehensive win.

That Novos dominated throughout is not in doubt but Northumbria never gave up and played their part in a thoroughly entertaining game.
It was lovely to see rugby being played with such enthusiasm for enjoyment, both teams should be congratulated for providing the spectators with such a spectacle of entertaining and creative rugby.

Afterwards County President Alan Heinzman presented skipper Janette Shaw with a Championship trophy and some Champagne which was duly sprayed everywhere!

In securing the amazing record the girls have put together so far this season they have scored 58 tries in 11 games, conceded only 8 points (Certainly 5 of them debatable!) All the girls have played their part, showed incredible desire and commitment to the cause and that is why they deserve all of the plaudits coming their way at the moment.

One more game to go... A tough and energy sapping overnight travel to take on Vagabonds next Saturday for the chance to go a full season winning every game - that would be some achievement.