DURHAM CITY 50 NOVOS 26

But when City finally got going, they quickly emphasised their superiority, running from everywhere to score 4 tries before half-time and claim a Durham and Northumberland 1 League bonus point and an apparently unassailable 26 – 5 lead.

Stand-off Tom Hodgson led the way taking an inside pass to score after a strong run by winger Darren Witte and full-back Paul Armstrong converted. Centre Arnie Stevenson added the second 10 minutes later going through a gap as they ran from a maul near the visitors’ line, and despite Novos lock Michael Reidy being driven over for their first try from a 5 metre lineout, there was no stopping City.

Five minutes before the interval, Witte got their third, having initiated a great attack from a mark near his own line and supporting to score after lock Paddy Dias had made a long break down the right touchline. No.8 Jeff Roberts followed it up moments later, burrowing his way over from a free-kick 5 metres out, and with Armstrong converting both, they appeared to be well in control at the interval.

But Novos had other ideas. After absorbing more City pressure, they were sparked by full-back Johnny Ward who chipped ahead, gathered and raced 25 metres for their second try. Centre Shaun Stewart converted, and with their tails up, it was suddenly City that were under pressure. Another catch and driven lineout produced a try for Novos lock Jonathon Smith and with Stewart converting, they were right back in it at 26 – 19.

City quickly re-asserted themselves however, with a further 3 tries in the next 10 minutes. Armstrong, now at scrum-half, went over in the corner after huge forward pressure, Dias scored from a ruck after a fine City attack saw winger Rob Smith stopped just short, and replacement winger Chris Metcalfe forced his way over from a maul on the visitors’ line. Armstrong converted 2 of them and at 45 – 19, they were well-clear again.

But, Ward repeated his chip and gather to get his second and Novos’ fourth try that earned them a welcome bonus point, Stewart converting, before City had the final word, prop Colin Hogg forcing his way over from close range for their eighth try from the final play of an entertaining match.

Tomorrow, City travel to Darlington (KO.2.00pm) and on Sunday (10.30am)are to be presented with the Rugby Football Union’s Club Accreditation Award – all very welcome1

CITY: Paul Armstrong (c); Daren Witte, Arnie Strevenson, Will Kirtley, Rob Smith; Tom Hodgson, Will Paxton; Colin Hogg, Kenny Reader, Benny Parkinson, Paddy Dias, Matthew Sayer, Richard Knowles, Rick Turnbull, Jeff Roberts.
Replacements: David Gibson, Graeme Herbert, Chris Metcalfe.