Stroud Nomads retain Stroud Combination Junior Cup

Fairford drew first blood kicking a penalty goal after 10 minutes when Stroud transgressed at a ruck. Play remained even although the Fairford stand off made a superb break but was tackled near the Stroud try line and scrum half Sam Cantle relieved the pressure with a fine touchline clearance.

Strong play by the Nomads forwards gave 2nd Row Lee Marshall the opportunity to run some 25yrds to score Stroud's first try, converted by stand off Cory Baker. Some 5 minutes later scrum half Sam Cantle made a lovely mid field break and gave full back Nathan Taylor an easy run to the try line.

Stroud kept up the pressure and when fairford were penalised at a ruck, Cory Baker kicked the resultant penalty. A further try came soon afterwards when a mazy run by full back Nathan Taylor resulted in his second try., giving Stroud a 20pts - 3pst lead at half time.

Several changed were made to the Nomads side at the beginning of the second half with Josh Vallender, Matt Hunt and Jordan Phipps taking over from Cory Baker, Gareth Culpan and Nathan Taylor.

Fairford started the half strongly and were awarded a try after their forwards had mauled and given their stand off the opportunity to touch down.

This spurred Stroud into action and a fine run by wing Tom Flanagan resulted in a try.

Further chances for the Nomads were spurned through poor passing wrong options being taken. Further changes to the Nomads line up introduced Dan Gordon, Callum Gibbs, Blue Cornock and Matt Peachman giving them a new lease of life and further tries were scored by wing Dan Ryland, centre Dan Gordon and finally by captain and 2nd Row Rob Davey, with two conversions by stand off Josh Vallender.

A fine end to a reasonably successful season for Stroud Nomads, who finished 5th in their 1st season in Gloucestershire Reserve League 1 North.