Nomads bury Old Crypts

Nomads were under pressure from the kick off with their opponents looking to play open rugby at every opportunity and within ten minutes had crossed the try line after a good threequarter movement, converted by their fly half.

Old Crypts kept Stroud pinned into their half for several minutes and only good defensive work kept them out. As the half wore on Nomads forwards under Captain Rob Davey came more into the game and after a good take at the lineout by Dan Whittaker a good drive by the forwards ended with Davey scoring Nomads first try.

With the Stroud threequarters now getting more ball it was no surprise after the backs moved the ball swiftly across the line for wing Alex Powell to score wide out. Old Crypts came straight back and after several penalty awards scored their second try. With the pace of the game fairly frenetic with both sides keeping the ball alive at every opportunity it was from a speculative kick ahead that full back Sam Hester moved the ball wide and was on hand to touch down after the ball had passed through several hands. The first half ended with once again Stroud defending their try line.

Stroud started the second half with a bang with another excellent threequarter movement ending with wing Alex Powell scoring his second try. The Nomads forwards now began to win some good clean ball from rucks and mauls and gave their backs plenty ball to work with fly half Sam Leworthy and his brother Jamie looking to give their speedy wings plenty of opportunities.
Further tries were forthcoming with Sam Hester showing his class by outstripping the cover defence to score his second try. Almost from the kick off replacement wing Aaron Raath was given the ball on the halfway line and scorched down the touchline to score Nomads sixth try.

The final try was scored by man of the match wing forward Tom Flanagan who was on hand to touchdown after another fine attack was halted just before the Old Crypts try line. Scrum half Joe Ashenford converted two of the tries.
Although under pressure in the second half Old Cryptians never gave up and were on the attack as the final whistle went.
A very good game of rugby played in an excellent spirit.

Next game 21st February 2015 v Old Patesians 3rd XV at Home KO 2.30pm.

Photo: Gary Learmonth Red Piranha Photography - Sam Hester races to the line (library photo)