Nomads storm to victory

Nomads played some fine running rugby with forwards and backs combining in scoring 10 tries. With the slight slope in their favour Stroud opened strongly with wing forward Adam Tarplee showing he has lost none of his speed and giving the Cheltenham North threequarters a torrid time throughout the game.

After a period of intense pressure Nomads backs gave centre Chris Toon the opportunity to outstrip the North defence and score the first try. North came more into the game for the next 15minutes with Stroud having to defend repeated forward drives, which they did with some brave tackling.

Stroud broke out from near their own line and some good forward play by captain Rob Davey, Rob Higgins and Tom Flanagan resulted in Adam Tarplee breaking from the base of a scrum and running some 30 metres to score.

Further scores swiftly followed with winger Blue Cornock brushing aside several would be tacklers to score wide out. With scrum half Jordan Phipps having an 'armchair' ride, Stroud's threequarters were given plenty of opportunities to show their speed with Fly half Will Clapham always looking to link with his forwards.

The next try was again scored by Chris Toon who latched onto a dropped pass by North and scored near the posts for Will Clapham to convert.

The second half was mainly even for the first 10 minutes with North pressing the Stroud line, but once again spirited defence by Nomads gave them the chance to break upfield and super offloading by at least six players led to Chris Toon's third try.

With Cheltenham North now struggling to hold a rampant Nomads side, further tries followed in quick succession with Rob Davey, Adam Tarplee and Blue Cornock crossing the line. With Nomads winning so much ball further tries were inevitable and centre Jamie Leworthy backed an excellent run by hooker Sam Davies and scored wide out.

Not to be outdone Chris Toon had the last word for Nomads, once again using his speed to outflank the North defence and score his fourth try. Three conversions were made by Will Clapham.North never gave up and were rewarded at the end with a forward drive which gave them their try.

This was a fine all round display by all the Stroud team, with wing Blue Cornock being man of the match.

Saturday 9th February 2013 - Stroud Nomads v Old Pats 3rd XV at home k.o.2.30pm