U16s - Novos, No win, No disgrace

In the previous encounter this season the boys in blue and white were undone by opposition surges through the midfield and a lack of tackles, so there was plenty to put right in this reverse fixture. And the boys didn't disappoint, a great team effort and unlucky not to earn at least a draw.

Proceedings were brought to order by the boot of the Novos fly-half and immediately there were tackles going in from both teams, the tone being set for a lot of work going on at the breakdown and opportunities for turn over ball. The early skirmishes were evenly contested and a lot of work was being done around the middle of the park, both teams cancelling one another out by going through the phases whilst also trying to look after the ball and cross the gain line. It wasn't until the twentieth minute that the first score was made, unfortunately for home support it was at the hand of one of the opposition as he crossed the whitewash and touched down for the five, a good kick added the change. As usual the boys kept ploughing on, even though they had been reduced to 14, Tom F making an impression on the referee with his slightly over zealous tackle....he stopped the opposition player which was the main thing. Even with the wind in the faces MP were the team on the front foot, the forwards were bursting through tackles and the backs were attempting to play an expansive game, so it was no surprise when Josh B replicated what he has been doing all season and burst through for a try, great kick by Ross into the wind added to the two. All square at oranges.

The second half saw personnel changes in the home ranks and the flow of the game was essentially the same as the first half, even to the point of MP once again going down to 14, another yellow this time for Alex W, the offence being the same as Tom's in the first half. The wind at their backs may have been useful for the boys in blue and white to attempt territorial gains through the use of a cultured boot, but the boys stuck to their game plan and continued to run with ball in hand were possible and also utilise their backline to open up the park. Unfortunately the only score was to go the way of the opposition, meaning they shaded proceedings overall.

A real good team effort from our boys and they can count themselves extremely unlucky not to at least earn a draw. Congratulations to the players, coaches and supporters from Novos for a well contested game.