North Cheltenham Saracens 6 - 10 Stroud Nomads

Gloucestershire Reserve Leagues Division 1 North Cheltenham Saracens 6 - 10 Stroud Nomads

Stroud played up the slope in the first half and against the wind, and were penned into their 22 for the first 10 minutes, good defensive work kept Saracens at bay and some good driving forward play by Rob Davey, Lee Marshall and Gareth Lewis gave the Nomads threequarters the opportunity to give wing Nathan Taylor an unconverted score in the corner.

Saracens attacked strongly and were eventually awarded a penalty kick for Stroud going offside, which was duly converted. Nomads defence held out until near the end of the first half when a further penalty kick to Saracens was again converted.

With the wind at their backs for the 2nd half Stroud attacked from the kick off with centres Chris Toon and James Norbury making excellent runs but without the necessary support to carry on the movement.

Both wings Nathan Taylor and Harry Phillips looked dangerous with ball in hand but the conditions made prevented the Nomads from finishing off their good approach work.

With Nomads getting increasingly desperate to score scrum half Jordan Phipps produced a fine break from a set scrum midway in the Saracens half and scooted to the line unapposed to make the winning score.

Saracens came back strongly in the final minutes of the game but once again good defensive work by Stroud kept them out.

A very hard fought game with the weather having a great influence.

Man of the Match: Jordan Phipps who had an excellent all round game.

Next game: Stroud Nomads vs Newent 2nd XV at Fromehall Park, KO 2.30pm.

Photo: Will Pascall Photography Nomads on the attack