Northern Panthers 10-17 Novocastrians 3rd XV

Match report by Jack Pellew, 3rd Team Captain

After losing by a point to Northern Panthers at home in front of both clubs' 1st XV's and a full compliment of aliakdos the week before, we had a job on our hands this week. The return fixture was the opening Northumberland Aln League game, so it was not only pride on the line - it was points. And what do points make?

The club had a tough week in regards to availability, with over 40 regular 2nd, 3rd and 4th team players unavailable for a game. After many phone calls, Facebook messages and even the occasional carrier pigeon, a final squad of 19 was pulled together. Several of our initial players were called up to the 2's last minute, including John Watson, Stephen Wood, Ben Charmer and Chris Brown. However, we managed to bring in some old blood, including Alex Milton, Joe Carr, Alan Pitchford, Iain Kane and JP Addison. There was a notable return from Thomas "Teeside Tom" Harwood in the back row, and University student Paddy Smith made his Novos debut at 12. Welcome to the club Paddy, you'll go a long way here.

Novos won the toss and elected to play with the wind for the first half. One thing that I've learnt over the many years of playing and refereeing at Northern FC is that the wind can change at the drop of a hat on that bottom pitch, so take it while it's there.

It was exciting to see Joe Carr back in a Novos shirt after an elapsed-period of parenting priorities. I could tell he was very much up for the game too. It was therefore devastating when, after only 5 minutes, Joe caught an elbow to the head on taking contact. Initial diagnosis from Dr Moss 2.0 (a.k.a Shit Nick, or Doctor Hairline) was that he'd be fine and that he should just "run it off, ye wee English prick", but as it transpired, Joe was kept in hospital for 2 nights. He is out now, albeit with a fractured eye socket and follow-up appointments booked, and we wish him all the best with his recovery. It sounds like it might be the end of his playing career (One by One, only the good retire young...), but we are sure we'll still see Joe around the club in his newly appointed capacity as 3rd XV Chief Winker. Ian Kaine on to replace him.

But back to the game. There were some strong early carries by Francis Eze that helped us move up the pitch, and our forward pack contested well against some big boys from Northern. In light of this, an early kick-able penalty was instead punted into the corner for the lads to have a go, and this paid off as an excellent rolling-maul was formed from the ensuing lineout and Thomas Harwood (a.k.a. Teeside Tom) capitalised for his first ever try for Novos (he played all his junior rugby for the club, was tells us he was coached by Adam Longstaff, so it's understandable). The conversion attempt by Paddy Smith just drifted wide.

Nothern 0-5 Novos

After losing one second row so early in the game, we had just started to settle back into a routine. In classic Novos fortune, we then lost Neil "The Enforcer" Spence to a concussion after an opposition prop sat on his head. When he came too and was told what had happened, he instantly asked if his "beautiful nose was still in one piece". I didn't have the heart to break it to him. In line with GRTP guidelines, he'll be out of the game for 3 weeks, so we're looking forward to welcoming him back for the Winlaton Vulcans game on 12th October. Ian Wood on to replace him.

Other than their nippy 10, Northern never really looked like scoring. We were on-top of them in most parts of the game, but were just struggling to finish off our chances. Leading up to HT, we conceded a silly penalty just outside our 22, and some quick thinking from Northern shipped the ball wide, caught us off guard with a 3-1 and they scored in the corner. It was disappointing as this was the first thing we'd really done wrong all game, but a wake up call. Conversion missed.

Half Time: Northern 5-5 Novos.

A half time change saw Stevie Thompson joining in the front row, and JP Addison (still returning from a nasty booby injury) coming off the bench. Teeside Tom was gagging for a breather, but he was told to suck it up and keep playing.

More graft from the forwards put us in a good position, and another kick-able penalty was once again elected to be knocked into the corner. We were out-manning them in the forwards, and simple rugby wins games. Another line-out win, another steady drive and it was Iain Kane who was the recipient of the 5 points this time. The bearded Glaswegian was practically beaming as he was picked up from the bottom of the maul, and he exclaimed that this was also his first try for Novos. What a day! Conversion missed.

Northern 5-10 Novos

Francis Eze had been running well with ball in hand, making yards up the right wing and wreaking havoc on his opposite man. One could see the fear in his eyes when he saw the muscular physique running straight at him. The direct running paid off, as he broke through several would-be tackles and dotted down under the posts to extend our lead by a further 5 points. The conversion was slotted by debutante Paddy Smith.

Northern 5-17 Novos

Northern scored their second try completely against the run of play. The nippy 10 danced his way through several gaps and ran 80 meters, before off-loading for an easy score. Another "heads down" moment that could have been so costly for us had things been different. On another day, we may well have lost the game. Conversion missed,

Northern 10-17 Novos

The Northern Wanderer's match away to Ashington had been called off early due to a bad injury, so their lads arrived back towards the last quarter of the game to support. I was quite surprised to see two or three of the lads I know were in the 2's team appear on our pitch towards the end, but all is fair in love and war. I may have through different had we not won the game though...

The final 10 minutes were tense, as Northern finally earned the right to enter our 22. Some fantastic defence from all involved kept them at bay for the duration, will Will Evans hitting anything than ran his way all game - a fantastic performance and the best I have seen him play. His body finally succumbed with 5 minutes to go, and Rhys Gibbons stepped up to cover in the centres. Apart from not knowing where to stand, what to do or what any of the moves where, it appears Rhys enjoyed his cameo at 12. Well done for stepping up, but it's back to the front row for you next week, son!

The last play of the game was a 5m attacking scrum to Northern. They were all set to attack - they needed anything for a losing bonus point and a converted try for the draw. Fantastic pressure from the tiring legs of Novos forwards disrupted their set piece, and pressure from our back row cause their Scrum-Half to knock the ball on at the base of the scrum. The full time whistle went, and we were victorious. Not only had we returned the favour from last week by beating Northern in their own back yard, but we were leaving with a League win and 7 League points.

Full Time: Northern 10-17 Novos

Thank you to all the lads who stepped up and played for the team. I asked you all for 5% extra effort at half time, and boy did you give it to me. An excellent performance from all involved and it was fantastic to come away with a win.

Special mentioned to Will Darragh for playing a full 80 mins on the wing - well done. Nick Moss was as steady as ever at 15, and Francis Eze carried well throughout the game. Superb defence from Will Evans, who had the best defensive performance in a Novos shirt I have seen him have.

Excellent graft from all of the forwards - you won us the game. Best wishes in your recoveries to Joe Carr and Neil Spence, and thanks to Iain Kane and Andy Finn for playing in almost every position in the pack during the game.

Man of the Match - it had to go to a forward after such a dominant display. Everyone was in contention, but this week Teeside Thomas Harwood put in a fantastic 80 minute performance, tackled well, carried hard and even got on the score sheet.

Richard of the Day - this was a tough one, as everyone had a great game. Eventually, it went to Iain Kane for playing 75 minutes (when promised a max of 40), scoring his first every try for the club and looking so smug about it. One of the harder DoD decisions I've ever had to make.

Next week

Berwick Bears at home. 3pm KO at Sutherland Park. I am away, so captain duties fall to Rich Zabrocki. Let's get anotehr League win. Up The Vos!