U16s - No tackling at Novos.

After a spirited performance and a comprehensive victory against the boys from Billingham the Under 16s were back on the road and in action for a first game at Druids Park on the artificial surface. The Tyneside opposition in the form of the boys in red, white and black from Novocastrians lined up at the other end. The conditions were maybe to perfect, with the glorious sunshine causing problems for players and supporters alike. Having gone through the usual pre-match warm up the boys were looking raring to go when they exited their huddle, but unfortunately some old frailties were once again evident as within a few minutes of the start the away team were in front, taking full advantage of a few missed tackles. This was to be the story of the first half, the boys just couldn't get out of the blocks and were under a lot of pressure from their opposing numbers. It would be harsh to overlook the positives though, the defensive line was moving up in unison and at pace on most occasions, and the rucking and counter-rucking was testimony to all squad members. The line was an even affair, credit to our boys given the height of their jumpers. Unfortunately it all came down to the effectiveness of the tackles. Although the first half scoreline saw our opponents 27 to the good it could have been so different if we had been more competitive in our defence, the boys looked good in possession and it was good to see Josh M and Calum back in the fold after reasonably long lay-offs.

The second half saw two reshuffled packs, but as usual the spirit from our team was constant and the contest proved to be much more even. There appeared to be a reorganisation of our back line and this definitely appeared to have the potential to be fruitful with Ross B swapping places with Alex W and providing an option with the boot from half-back, also freeing up Alex to make his trademark tackles. The driving runs; competition in scrums, rucks and mauls; and the possession gained from line-out ball were an improvement and the ball was even finding its way across the back line, so it was no more than the team deserved when, not for the first time this season, Ross made a powerful run from within the opposing twenty two to go over for the five, he also added the extras. Within a few minutes the boys were bak in Novos twenty two and this time Tom H scored a great scrum half's try, picking the ball up from the back of a ruck and darting over for the score. The extras being neatly dispatched from the boot of Ross. The away team added three tries, one converted, to their first half haul, leaving the final score at 44 - 14.

Well done to the boys from Novos and also to their coaches and supporters for a well earned victory.

Motm - Aiden T.....when other tacklers miss, this lad doesn't!
Penny - Not sure...but you know who you are!!