Newent 2nd XV 19 - 24 Stroud Nomads

Playing up the slope in the first half Stroud were under pressure from the kick off and after giving away several penalties were soon 6pts behind.

The Stroud forwards came more into the game as the half progressed and good play by back row forwards Gareth Segelov, Adam Tarplee and Tom Flanagan took play into the Newent 22 where after a high tackle centre Nathan Taylor kicked the resultant penalty.

With the first half coming to a close Newent forwards used a well rehearsed move from a line out with their No8 running in unapposed for a try.

From the kick off the Stroud backs gained possesssion and a weaving run by centre Nathan Taylor gave wing Alex Powell the opportunity to wrong foot the Newent wing and full back to score a try under the posts, converted by Taylor.

The second half was equally as end to end with both sides playing open rugby and it was no surprise when Nomads full back Jordan Phipps fielded a long kick ahead from Newent and set off on cross field run leaving most of the Newent defence inn his wake, but with the try line in sight he was hauled down, but wing forward Gareth Segelov was on hand to pick up the loose ball and score the try, again converted by Nathan Taylor.

Newent attacked from the re-start and their quick threequarters looked extremely dangerous and from one of their attacks the wing outflanked the Stroud defence to score near the corner.

The Nomads defence came under further pressure and a penalty kick was awarded to Newent after a high tackle, with the resultant penalty being kicked by the Newent fly half.

With time now running out Stroud made several forward drives into the Newent half, and from one of these centre Nathan Taylor broke through several tackles and ran some 30 yards to score the winning try, which he converted.

An excellent game of rugby between two well matched teams, with match of the match Nathan Taylor outstanding.

Next match v Coney Hill 2nd XV at home kick off 2.30pm

Photo Nathan Taylor in full flight - Courtesy of Gary Learmonth, http://www.redpiranhaphotography.co.uk/