Stroud Combination Junior Cup match

With the pitch being very heavy and wet Nomads eventually ran out comfortable winners of this Cup match due to a very strong second half display. The first half was a close affair with Nomads attempting to play an open running game, whilst Minchinhampton relied on their very good strong pack, who maintained ascendancy in the loose and at the scrummage. Stroud backs always looked dangerous with the ball in hand and to their credit the handling was excellent considering the wet conditions. The opening score by Stroud came after 15minutes when fly half Peter Sykes made a fine break and gave wing Joe Ashenford to outstrip the defence and score at the posts, converted by the fly half.

Minchinhampton forwards soon imposed their driving game and only good defence work by Nomads back row Tom Flanagan and Regan Herbert kept them at bay. However, once again good inter play by the Nomads backs involving scrum half Ben Dodd, centres Mark Peer and Corey Baker gave wing Joe Ashenford to show his speed once again to score his second try. Not to be outdone Minchinhampton came back strongly and from a cross kick by their fly half the winger collected the ball and crossed for a try, which was converted. With Minchinhampton always looking dangerous with their forwards going forward, a loose ball picked up inside the Stroud 22 by full back Aaron Raath led to another fine threequarter move giving Joe Ashenford the chance to score his third try, just before the half time whistle.

The second half belonged to Stroud who continued to show excellent handling skills, with full back Aaron Raath showing his outstanding speed by scoring two tries early in the half. With Minchinhampton now beginning to tire Nomads scored further tries through centre Mark Peer whose strong running saw him shake off several would be tacklers to score. Another fine run by fly half Peter Sykes was well supported by centre Chris Toon who took a reverse pass wrongfooting the Minchinhampton defence to score under the posts. With driving rain not improving playing conditions, the final Nomads score was made by wing Harry Phillips after one of his typical dodging runs. Four of the second half tries were converted by Joe Ashenford, who was named man of the match.

Next match: Nomads v Drybrook 3rd XV (H) at Marling School ko 2.15pm