Nomads on top

Newent were soon into their stride and within the first 10 minutes had kicked two penalty goals as the Nomads were penalised for going offside. Not to be outdone Stroud rallied and were soon awarded a penalty kick which was converted by standoff half Cory Baker.

Play ebbed and flowed with both sets of threequarters looking dangerous with ball in hand. Newent broke through when their forwards drove up field releasing their backs and giving their winger the opportunity to score near the posts, the try being converted.

This Nomads side came straight back from the kick off and were awarded a penalty kick which Cory Baker converted. With half time beckoning a good passage of play by Stroud gave winger Chris Toon the chance to score wide out. However, Newent pounced on a dropped ball by the Nomads threequarters and gave their winger the opportunity of a second try, not converted.

The second half opened with a bang as Stroud wing forward Gareth Sedglov gathered the ball from the kick off and ran some 60 metres before being tackled just outside the Newent 22, from the ensuing ruck a penalty kick was awarded to the Nomads and converted by Cory Baker.

With the Stroud pack gaining the ascendancy in the scrums, it was no surprise when from a 5 metre scrum No 8 Dave Brooks picked up and drove over the line for Stroud's 2nd try. Play continued to be open and fast, but with Stroud maintaining the upper hand. Newent were still in the game however, and when Nomads transgressed at a ruck, Newent kicked the resultant penalty.

With time running out Stroud gained good ground into the Newent half and from the ensuing maul Gareth Sedglov made good ground before passing to centre Jamie Leworthy who then gave his co-centre James Norbury a try scoring pass, which was not converted.

This was an fine game of rugby played in an excellent spirit. Well done to both teams.

Next match: 16th November 2013 - Away v Wotton (Stroud Junior Combination Cup) KO 2.30pm