It was unfortunately less Metallica and more Republica as Novos 3s proved hardwired to self-destruct in a 35-22 home defeat to South Shields.

With the small but perfectly formed Wee Gees (Croft, Ogilvie and Wilson) as Master(s) of Puppets for the day and a strong squad on paper, Novos bossed a frantic first 20 minutes. The cops and robbers half-back combo of Bass and Selkirk forced the pace, the ball whizzed through the hands of the Novos three-quarters faster than a brown paper envelope full of readies changes hands in a dingy car park and the Novos forwards made good on their pre-match pledge to fight fire with fire against their more rotund but very combative and resourceful South Shields counterparts. Although South Shields did earn a soft try, well-worked efforts by Lex Leonard and Dan Vicary (both converted by Ed Thompson) and an audacious drop goal from cavalier play-maker Selkirk put Novos 17-7 to the good. Ok, so it was easier for HRH to lay the ball out wide for a certain try but the baying Novos balcony lapped it up, it’s third team rugby and we were all praying for one of his finger blasting quips to our now apoplectic opponents.

But then it all went wrong. Over-elaboration and concentration lapses saw Novos blow several more try scoring opportunities, to be followed by 10 minutes of sheer rugby insanity as loose passes from players who should know better gifted Shields three tries (all converted) under the posts. Half-time Novos 17 – South Shields 28 and some kind of (rugby) monster indeed, as Novos completely lost composure, shape, ideas and heart.

The second half wasn’t much better. Although Bass, Leonard and pacey winger Max Mallon tried to work the opportunities and debutant Sylas Douglas showed plenty of fight, injuries to several players forced changes resulting in players out of position trying to stem a relentless Shields side who were smelling blood. It is therefore to the credit of the team that Shields were restricted to only one more try in the second half and there was a deserved consolation try for Mallon with five minutes remaining.

Final score Novos 22 – South Shields 35

The Positives:

Welcome returns to Sat rugby for Iain Kane and Andy Finn after a few years out.

The first 20 mins and the last 10 mins – when we concentrate on what we’re doing, we’re pretty good.

No football-style bitching in the changing room afterwards – talk soon turned to what really matters – alcohol and associated misdemeanors.

The Opposition:

Deserved to win – more aggressive, made less unforced errors, played to their strengths.

Hero of the Day (MOTM)

Max Mallon – never stopped fighting and deserved his try.

For Whom the Bell Tolls (DOTD)

Where to start ??!!