After the disappointment of last weekend when the match against Morpeth failed to go ahead, Novos Panthers were eager to get back into rugby after an extensive Winter break due to the bad weather.

Having travelled around three hours to get to Sheffield’s ground and with a brief and rainy warm up in the bag Novos took to the field looking to keep their awesome defensive record intact and to secure that all important bonus point.

After a strong and energetic start in the now torrential rain it took just four minutes for everybody’s favourite captain Janette Shaw to touchdown over the line for the first try of the match. Ably assisted at the head of a rolling maul by the full pack of forwards, the Sheffield defence had nothing left as a controlled play got the points.

As the rain worsened and dedicated coach Nipper ‘got wet’ some nifty passes between the backs and plenty of secured ball from the forwards saw Janette Shaw once again get over the line. Returning from retirement, Heather Younger narrowly missed the conversion, leaving the score at 10 – Nil to Novos.

After some messy play from both sides and some questionable penalties, 25 minutes in we saw the only yellow card of the match, given to Novos Panthers prop Christine Miller. A debatable call for not rolling away from the tackle but the Panthers didn’t let it faze them, ensuring that Sheffield stayed in their own half for the majority of the 10 minute sin bin.

Shortly after Christine came back on the field of play, Jannette Shaw once again made it over the line to score the Panthers third and final score of the game, made from some tough forward wins and swift passes amongst the backs. The second half proved tough for both teams, neither fully able to reach the other’s line to score the all important points. The highlight of the second half was a forward distraction tactic in the lineout, with prop Alice Workman aiming to divert the opposition’s attention by falling over, unfortunately flanker Sel Makin didn’t know of the planned rouse and after some infuriating exchanges play was resumed.

Replacements in the second half saw Roz Forbes and Drea Lee replace Emily Von Yarrow and Laura Smurf Coleman respectively in the second row, as well as front row replacement Cat Ingoe on for Alice Jelly Legs Workman.

Gail Mam Everitt had a superb game as lineswoman, with her fantastic hand flagging skills signalling plenty of balls over the lines. Thanks go to all travelling support; Clare Hoppe, our amazing bus driver and Ladies President Mr Willis; our poor damp coach Chris Nipper Fife and the hard working team and subs who fought out the 15 – Nil victory in difficult weather and disputable calls.