Smith's industry pays dividends

From the kick off Smiths were immediately on the attack with both their forwards and backs handling and off loading well, and it was no surprise when their wing forward burst through some poor tackling and off loaded to his wing who scored in the corner, successfully converted. Nomads were stung by this and from the kick off some good forward play with No 8 Grant Nash leading the way camped in the Smiths 22 but spurned several try scoring opportunities and were punished with the opposition once again breaking from deep and offloading well with their winger given a free run to score at the posts, again converted.

With Stroud suffering from good lineout ball, only the occasional sniping runs from wing forward Jordan Phipps and scrum half Joe Ashenford kept Nomads in the game. However, one excellent break from young centre Joe Little should have led to try, but the chance was lost when the try scoring pass went astray.

Not to be outdone Smiths retaliated and once again their powerful wing forward broke the Nomads defensive line and gave their quick threequarters the opportunity to score their third try. Stroud came back again and a good drive by the forwards was stopped just short of the Smiths try line, but again Stroud were penalised and a good chance went a begging.

The fast pace of the game continued in the second half with both sides looking to keep the ball alive at every opportunity. Once again Smiths took advantage of poor tackling by the Nomads and scored an early try, which was converted. Nomads kept playing attacking rugby and with captain Chris Toon moving to his correct position of centre and Ian Bushell coming on as a substitute centre, it gave them more options and after some good interplay between forwards and backs Chris Toon scored Nomads first try, converted by Joe Ashenford.

With Stroud doing more attacking a good break by Jordan Phipps was halted near the Smiths line and from the ensuing ruck Joe Ashenford dived over to score what appeared to be a good try, however it was disallowed for a knock on. With Nomads now beginning to win good scrum ball a good pick up by Grant Nash gave Joe Ashenford the chance to beat several defenders on a mazy run to the tryline. Smiths were stung by this and completed the scoring for the afternoon with a drive by their forwards, resulting in their fifth try.

An excellent afternoon of rugby with Nomads ruing their missed chances.

Next match: Stroud Nomads v Berry Hill 2nd XV (Away) ko 2.30pm