A strangely lethargic performance against strong opponents brought a recent good run of league victories to a juddering halt.

A lively opening 15 minutes saw Novos score 5 unanswered tries before an unfortunate injury saw young Alex Anson leave the field.

Some good forward driving by Ed Weir, Alex Birkenshaw, Ian Charlton, Rory Craney and Jonny Pape eventually gained some decent field position. Phil Scandle, a powerful replacement, competed fiercely at the ruck , winning a penalty. Quick thinking Andy Harvey fed captain Martyn Hutton who crashed over. From the restart Novos regained possession and wingers Josh Schollick and Spencer Tolley were required to pull off important tackles before the rampant home team stretched their lead with a sparkling try to lead 38-7 at half-time.

After the break the Centurions were more competitive with Andy Stembridge, Graham Crosby and Seb Jansen going close but, the well-drilled home side had a much greater cutting edge in attack and added 3 further tries. The hard-working Kael Horton and Callum Foxcroft linked around halfway and Rory Dixon raced off to provide hooker Arin Pekdemir with a chance that he gleefully accepted.

Novos responded with two more tries again demonstrating their slick brand of running rugby. The final word was left to a Andy Neal who finished off a fine move begun by Jack Denham under his own posts. Shaun Taylor, Michael Ramsey and Charlie Dodd were all involved in a sweeping movement the length of the field to allow the jubilant prop forward to dive over in the corner.

This was a comprehensive defeat for the Centurions on a day when they needed to be at their best against talented opponents.