Novos 3XV 13 - Washington 12
Apr
Washington travelled away to Novos fully charged for a win against a team that had beaten them at home recently. A squad of 21 players gave Washington strength in depth and, Novo having had their end of season do the night before, Washington could be forgiven for feeling confident.
That confidence increased, as Washington capitalized on Novo’s hangover, with a simple passing move allowing club captain Liam to break the Novo defence and score an early try. Big Jason’s conversion gave Washington a 7-0 lead.
This try was followed up with good pressure from Washington, who pinned Novo into their own half for the next ten minutes. A good break by the Novo backs, against the run of play, saw them break out of their own half and, when Washington’s defense couldn’t resist diving over the ruck to stem the quick counter-attack, Novo were rewarded with three points from a penalty. Washington’s early confidence faded away, as Novo continued to attack, and further indiscipline saw Novo add another 3 point penalty to their quota. 6-7 at half-time.
Washington made wholesale changes at half time in an effort to stop the route, but Novo started the second half the way that Washington started the first, with an early converted try, leaving Washington to chase the game. It was comedy of errors from both sides during the second half, with off-sides, knock-ons and free-kicks aplenty. A late try by Jason, surging through four defenders, could have won it for Washington, but it was too wide out and with an opposing wind he was unable to convert.
Washington’s indiscipline cost them this game, with several penalties given away all over the field, and 20 crucial yards lost due to arguing. Novo did well to regain their composure and hold on for a tight win.
