Carlisle Cougars were on the road to the north east to take on Novos and gave a very good account of themselves before going down 12-10.
After last week’s defeat to an experienced Blaydon side the Cougars knew they needed to step up their game and last the pace in wet and muddy conditions.
As there was an issue with one set of posts if a try was awarded it would be an automatic seven points.
That was the end Novos were playing towards in the first half meaning tries for them were even more important.
From the kick-off both teams were looking promising, playing some good rugby but at times Carlisle struggled to get out of their half and Novos went in for the first try to put seven points on the board.
The Cougars responded well putting pressure on the home defence and a break from Sarah Smyth got her in for the opening try.
Carlisle had their best spell with the backs and forwards linking really well so it was no surprise when they scored again to take the lead.
The ball was moved smartly along the line to the wing where Philippa Chadwick found a gap and used it to her advantage to touchdown.
Leading 10-7 at the break Carlisle were not comfortable and early in the second half Novos took advantage of a mistake and scored to lead narrowly by two points.
Novos were dominated in the scrums by Carlisle but generally play began to be somewhat scrappy as the game reached the closing stages.
The Cougars were close but they could not quite get the ball down over the home line to snatch the win.
Overall Carlisle had loads to be proud of and really it was that first half Novos try, which didn’t need a conversion for the full seven points, that separated the two sides.
The Cougars have promise to work on to take into the next game which will be a fortnight at home to Kendal (November 6).
Forward of the match at Novos was Caitlin Orr with Back of the match award going to Philippa Chadwick.
The home side chose Laura Cunningham as Carlisle’s player of the match.
