What a day out - almost 50 lads between the two teams so full credit must go to Daryl Baker for all the work he did getting the RGS boys to attend. Young fellas can be so unreliable these days so well done to the old boys and all our young Novocastrians RFC players for getting off the couch.

Our squad was full of youth and was a great advert for the youth coaches and a look into our future should the boys at uni choose to come back once they are finished with their studies.

1st half side - Luke Foster, Sion Gittins, Rhys Gibbons, Ryan Gibson, Ewan Strachan, Oli Taylor, Alex Cokeley, Dylan Gittins, Ian Ramsay, Jamie Ogilvie, Sam Bird, Jack Hearn, Ben Jubb, Brandon Gilbert, Sam Ogilvie

2nd half squad - Carl Ferguson, Alex Taylor, Alex Douglas, James Taylor, Freddie Nickalls, Alistair Wilks, Tom Brown, Alex Strong, Alex Histed, Shaun Stewart, Stephen Wood, Greg Abibu, Gavin Wilson, Charlie Muse.

In addition, George Waterhouse and Miles Gittins played solely for the old boys side.

The game kicked off with Adam Morrison taking charge of the game. The first 10-15 mins was frantic to say the least with two youthful sides refusing to kick the ball. It was a great advert for grassroots rugby and was incredibly physical for a festive season fixture.

We gained the initiative with line breaks from the likes of Ben Jubb, Brandon Gilbert and Dylan Gittins. Novos opened the scoring with a fine try to Ben Jubb, beautifully converted by Jamie Ogilvie for a 7-0 lead.

RGS had their moments but we kept them out with great defence from Ryan Gibson and Rhys Gibbons making important tackles. We then scored a counter attacking try after Ben Jubb broke out of our half. The ball was recycled and moved wide immediately as Alex Cokeley crashed over with men to spare on his outside. No stopping him 5m from the line. 12-0

The boys were starting to gel having spent 25-30 mins getting combinations right. The backs put together some great play with Jamie Ogilvie and Jack Hearn combining nicely. Eventually, the ball was moved to Sam Ogilvie who attacked the inside shoulder before bouncing to the outside. Then with a show of the ball he was through and under the posts to make it 19-0 after his brother Jamie added the conversion.

RGS had the last say in the half as two penalties in a row gave them field position to drive over a maul. An important time to score, just minutes before the end of the first half. 19-5 the score line heading into the second half.

We got everyone a run out and had to go through another spell of working on cohesion. RGS had momentum from the late try and continued where they left off. They had the initiative and scores two excellent tries to bring the game back into contention at 19-17.

Novos finally got into their stride after about 20 mins of the second half and sealed the game as Carl Ferguson crashed over to make it 24-17. Unfortunately Carl suffered a bad injury moments later and wasn't able to hear the final whistle confirming Novocastrians retained the John Elders Memorial Trophy.

I was really impressed by the boys - loved seeing some of the fellas back from uni and putting a shirt on. Thought Ewan Strachan was outstanding in the first half supported up front by Sion Gittins who put in 80 mins, Ryan Gibson who took charge of the line out but the backs were classy. Ian Ramsay provided good service to a back line of decision makers in Jamie Ogilvie and Jack Hearn combining with Ben Jubb who made the line breaks. Out wide Sam Bird, Brandon Gilbert and Sam Ogilvie were the strongest back three we have put out this season.

Loved the second half seeing the boys come together a learn how to play together - first senior games for James Taylor, Charlie Muse, Alex Strong and Gavin Wilson. Another great part of the day was having such a family involvement with the Gittins boys playing together, both Taylor's with a rare outing in the same side and then the Ogilvie's with their Dad - Rob coaching on the sidelines once more. What a rugby club should be like.

The game was watched by a big crowd with a great atmosphere in and around the club all afternoon. So huge thanks to everyone who put in the effort to get this game on. Food was amazing, thanks Adam for reffing and a huge shout out to all the players for a high quality game, played in great spirit.

Hope to see you all on the 7th January when we entertain Ponteland - have a great new year people.

Up the Vos !