The game got off to a fast start on Saturday, a start that a Novocastrian’s side in previous weeks would have thrived and scored points from, but instead last Saturday the Benton men were left stunned within the opening 5 minutes of the first half. We would make a surge during the second half to score some well earnt points of our own, but a disappointing first 20 minutes left the home sides starting 15 scrambling for solutions early on, resulting in a 24-point deficit heading into the second half.

The game kicked off and was immediately put out on the full gifting Tynedale a scrum on the half-way line and our more experienced opponents were able to capitilise on the error with some impressive handling in our 22 eventually putting in their full-back for the opening score. 7-0 down with only 2 minutes played and things weren't looking good. The next try was another gift to Tynedale, after some hard work from the forwards to crash us over the gain line and get us back into the game, a wide pass was picked off by the Tynedale fly-half in the red-zone and he put his head down to score and make it 14-0.

Two more tries later and some lazy Novo’s defence put our opponents up 24-0 heading into the break. The lads had a very honest chat during the half-time huddle and went out into the second half desperate to make amends after a dismal first 40 minutes. On came Solomon Mak for his debut in men's 1st XV rugby, a proud day for the young colt graduate who had a huge 40 minutes in front of him. Jonny Allton and Lewis Chater also came on after returning to the squad after some time out from injury.

What followed the half time chat may not have been enough to push us into a final, but it was certainly a performance to rally the spirit of the balcony once again. A comprehensive second half performance saw us win the last 40 minutes 24 points to 7.

The second half try scoring was kicked off by none-other than the returning Michael Searle back from his concussion protocol. An excellent scrum led by the debutant Solomon Mak dominated the Tynedale front 5 and provided clean ball for newly onto the field Chater. A short ball found Michael Searle in the midfield and the inside center barreled over his opposite number to dot the ball under the sticks. 7-24, and in typical Novos fashion we were back in the contest.

After finally waking up and being ready to play, the try scoring just wouldn't stop for us. Spurred on by the recent score and the new dominance at scrum time, the entire squad seemed to gain an extra burst of energy. A knock on inside the Tynedale 5-meter line gave Mak the opportunity to show what he can do, an immense effort from the loose-head pushed the scrum back and forced a turnover of possession. The result was another 7 points to our tally as a well-weighted cross-field kick from Farley found its way to the arms of Alex Donaghy who did well to beat the final defender to make things a 10-point affair.

No time to relax for anyone watching however, the resulting kickoff from the restart was turned over and just as Tynedale had seemed to get a second wind, it was immediately spoilt by last season's top try scorer Lewis Chater, just back from injury he returned the favour from the first half and picked off the pass from the oppositions fly-half and raced in to score. The scoreboard now read 21-24 and the momentum was, for the first time this match, in our hands.

But, perhaps it was just too good to be true. Sometime later, a clearance kick from us was well received and countered back by what looked to be an experienced backline. The kick chase wasn’t up to scratch and some good handling meant their center was able to dive over to stretch the lead back out to 10 points with 15 minutes left on the clock.

A Josh Farley penalty gave us some hope heading into the final stages of the game and as the clock struck red, we found ourselves just a converted try away from snatching a draw and subsequently extra time after almost being down for the count in the first half. A lineout 10 meters out rumbled it’s way towards the try line but a successful spoil from the Tynedale pack signaled to the referee that time was up on the clock.

A mixed day of emotions for all involved on Saturday, a feeling that we could have very easily won that fixture against a good side, but equally a group understanding that we had only ourselves to blame.

Final Score: Novos 24 – 31 Tynedale Raiders

Training will resume this week both tonight and Thursday ahead of a massive clash away to Ponteland.

Up The Vos!