Shields played some excellent rugby against our DN1 opponents, winning admiration from spectators and our rivals. The gap is quickly closing on the DN1 standard we need to be at to fulfil our ambitions.

In the first half we were dominant in the scrums (Sped, Sampson / Patty and Wilson front row with Nick and JK / Phil Smith in second row too much for our rivals today) lineouts we held our own. We moved the ball well and defended well when required.

For a large portion of the first half Shields lead Novos after recovering from an early try by our opponents. Dan Lewis scoring for Shields with a conversion and a penalty by Ramsey.

By half time we were a score down.

In the second half the game opened up with exciting end to end play from both teams and no holds barred.

Novos maybe a little bit fitter in the latter stages and with a couple of lads with blistering pace the difference.

Tries from Kemsley, Marshall and Bowie not quite enough for us this time.

Final Score 29-52

MOM: Kev was torn between Marshall and Nick as both had exceptional games.

A defeat, but the progression in this team of lads is evident, so personally I come away very happy and officials from Ashington, Blyth and Novos come away very impressed with our lads.

A lad who gets little praise is Ricki Hasnip. He’s done a fantastic job turning around and stabilising this group of lads. With Kev by his side with his high level of coaching and playing experience, the lads are in very good hands. Continued improvement in discipline, fitness and 2 or 3 new signings for strength in depth and we’ll be there or thereabouts next season.