Nomads ease through to next round

Good interplay beteween Stroud backs and forwards gave scrum half Joe Ashenford the chance to dash over for Nomads first of ten tries. With Stroud forwards holding sway at ruck and maul and 2nd row Ryan Kibble cleaning up at the lineouts, the Stroud threequarters were given plenty of good ball to test the Painswick defence, resulting in further tries for centres Jake Marsh and Jamie Leworthy.Painswick came more into the game in the latter part of the first half and only good defensive work kept them from scoring. With half time beckoning, a good break by fly half Sam Leworthy gave full back Cory Baker the opportunity to score unapposed.

In the second half the Stroud forwards continued their dynamic form with back row forwards Tom Flanagan, Dave Brooks and Rich Brown outstanding. Painswick never gave up trying but with Nomads obtaining good ball further tries were inevitable and Jamie Leworthy, Neil Broadbent (good to see him back playing at Stroud) took their chances well. With Stroud making several changes replacement hooker Grant Nash immediately made an impact by scoring a couple of tries with wing forward Rich Brown completing a fine game by scoring the final try. Joe Ashenford converted 5 of the tries and also kicked a penalty goal.

This was one of the best performances by the Nomads this season, with a great team spirit throughout.

Next game 10th January 2015 v Hucclecote 2nd XV (away).

Photo courtesy of Gary Learmonth, Red Piranha Photography.