Novos kicked off their clash against Percy Park under bright skies after a damp warm-up. The game began with high intensity as the boys from Novos faced a well-drilled Percy Park defence that committed in numbers to every breakdown.

An early setback came when full back Archie Tatum took a head knock, forcing him off and bringing Joe Kapur into the game at 10, while Matty Russell shifted out to fullback. Despite this reshuffle, Novos adapted quickly and showed resilience in defence. However, following a Percy Park penalty that was kicked to touch, the opposition managed to break through after sustained pressure on the Novos’ five-metre line. Percy Park switched play smartly and dotted down in the corner, with a successful conversion extending the lead to 7-0.

Throughout the first half, the powerful carries of Solomon Mak and Dylan Mills provided the Novos with vital forward momentum. Both players were relentless in their efforts to gain hard yards, crashing through the Percy Park defence multiple times. Meanwhile, Sully Ismail put in a standout defensive performance, securing multiple crucial turnovers to keep the pressure on the opposition.

Max Cook and Joe Kapur were a dynamic half-back pairing, keeping the tempo quick and linking play well between the forwards and backs. Despite several promising line breaks, the Novos couldn’t quite break down Percy Park’s defensive wall, leaving the score at 7-0 at halftime.

At the break, Novos made tactical changes, with Will Pink and Chris Ward coming into the fray. While Percy Park edged the home side in the scrums, the lineouts were a different story. Hooker Ant McQuillin threw with precision, even in tricky conditions, and both Richard McNeil and Chris Ward wreaked havoc in the air, disrupting Percy Park's set-piece. One of the key reasons for Richard being awarded Man of the Match alongside his immense work rate in defence.

Novos came out firing. Captain Gregg Wills led by example, making strong runs and breaking through the Percy Park defensive line. The pressure eventually told, and Harry Mason powered over the try line to get Novos on the scoreboard. Matty Russell coolly slotted the conversion to bring the game level at 7-7.

As the second half intensified, a surprising interruption occurred. Eddie Mason, seemingly deciding that the rugby match wasn’t his top priority, left the field midway through the half due to an urgent call of nature. His mid-match dash to the bathroom earned him the dubious honour of "Dick of the Day".

The contest remained tight, with both teams battling for supremacy. However, with 10 minutes left on the clock, Percy Park opted for a kick at goal from a penalty just outside the Novos 22 after winning a breakdown penalty. In what was perceived as a surprising decision given the game’s friendly status, Percy Park nailed the kick, edging ahead 10-7.

Novos threw everything they had at Percy Park in the final minutes, but the visitors’ defence held firm, securing a hard-fought victory. The boys left it all on the field, but Percy Park’s disciplined defence saw them take the win.

Final Score: Novos 7 – Percy Park 10.

Novocastrians RFC

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