Nomads youth shines through

With the weather being dry but cold Nomads once again played an attacking game from the outset, with both backs and forwards linking well throughout the game.

Swindon who had a much heavier pack of forwards relied mainly on these to provide any of their attacks. Stroud were early into their stride with the threequarters giving the wings James Morton and Alex Powell to show their paces, and from a ruck on the Swindon 22 centre Chris Toon cruised through the Swindon defence and scored the first try.

Nomads backs looked dangerous every time they received the ball and it was no surprise when full back Jordan Phipps received the ball on the halfway line and outstripped the cover defence to score under the posts.

With the Swindon pack dominating the scrum they kept the ball tight but at crucial moments gave away possession allowing Stroud to run the ball back at them. It was from one such turnovers that Nomads swept downfield with at least eight players handling giving Chris Toon the opportunity to score his second try. With the Stroud forwards beginning to win more ball in the loose especially prop Charlie Foote who made several bullocking runs, another try by centre Jake Marsh ended the first half.

With Stroud making several changes at half time giving 17 year old Joe Little a taste of senior rugby at centre, who slotted in well and was able to give a try scoring pass to 2nd row Dan Whittaker after a passing movement which had started in the Stroud 22. With the forwards supplying more ball to scrum half Joe Ashenford further tries were scored by Charlie Foote, Jamie Leworthy and finally by replacement 2nd row Jess Stevens. Three of the Nomads tries were converted by Joe Ashenford.

Swindon never gave up and towards the end of the game were camped on the Stroud line, but once again good defensive work kept them out.

Some excellent rugby played and good to see forwards and backs handling so well.

Next match : 7th February 2015 - Opponents to be announced