Stroud Nomads v Cheltenham RFC 2nd XV

This was a game of fluctuating fortunes with first Stroud getting on top, only to be pulled back by a Cheltenham side that never gave up. With Nomads loaning to players to Cheltenham from the kick off, play started at a frantic pace with the young Stroud threequarters nearly scoring twice in the first five minutes. A penalty award kicked by scrum half Joe Ashenford opened their account, but Cheltenham were immediately on the scoreboard when a defence kick was charged down and an easy try was scored by their fly half, which he converted. Play continued to fast and furious and after a good kick and chase by wing Ben Dodd, the ball was re-cycled and centre Luke Peer scored the first Stroud try. Continued pressure by the Nomads resulted in an excellent threequarter movement and wing Aaron Raath given a clear run to the try line, which was converted.

Cheltenham's forwards upped the tempo and a certain try by them was stopped by some good defensive tackling and from a turnover captain Chris Toon broke clear and passed to wing Aaron Raath who from his own 22 outstripped the Cheltenham defence and scored at the posts, again converted. With the first half drawing to a close an intercept by Stroud fly half Cory Baker resulted in a further try for Nomads, again converted. From the kick off slack defence play by Stroud allowed the Cheltenham winger to score their 2nd try which was converted.

Cheltenham increased their score from the first play of the 2nd half when once again poor tackling allowed a Cheltenham forward to score, which was converted. Nomads were finding it difficult to get any rhythm with basic handling and passing mistakes being the problems. It was left to centre Chris Toon to show the way when he burst through the centre to score a fine try, converted. With play going from end to end it was from a fine break by wing forward Tom Flanagan, making a welcome return after injury, gave substitute prop Charles Duncan the chance to score Stroud's final try, again converted. Not to be outdone with the final play of the match Cheltenham forwards drove to the Stroud line and were awarded their 3rd try.

Another good open game, with certain aspects especially tackling and handling to be addressed by the Nomads players. Man of the match was awarded to prop Tom Morton a Stroud player, who had an excellent game as a loanee to Cheltenham.

19th September 2015 game for the Nomads to be arranged.