Nomads back with a win

On a cold cheerless and drizzly afternoon, Nomads scored six tries in a convincing win. The pitch was in good condition considering the rain and Nomads attacked from the kick off but were unable to break down a strong Old Richians defence until a strong bullocking run by Stroud prop Tom Warner led to the first try converted by captain and fly half Peter Sykes. Play remained even with both defences tackling well, with Stroud wing forward James Morton always in the thick of the action. Nomads suffered a blow when scrum half Joe Little who was having another excellent game injured his knee and was substituted by veteran Rob Davey, with Andre Sharp moving from hooker to scrum half. Old Richians continued to win their fair share of ball but went further behind after they were penalised for offside and Peter Sykes kicked the resultant penalty. A speculative kick ahead by Old Richians gave Stroud full back Aaron Raath the chance to show his speed and skill in outstripping their defence to score an unconverted try and end the first half.

The second half was mainly played in the Old Richians half and after some good forward drives by the Stroud pack with prop Tom Warner, second row Lee Marshall and Ryan Kibble to the fore, scrum half Andre Sharp forced his way over for the third try which was converted. Stroud continued on the attack and from a scrum wing Fred Stephenson took an excellent reverse pass from flyhalf Peter Sykes to score at the posts, again converted. Old Richians were next on the score sheet, after a Nomads passing movement broke down and a fly hack and chase led to Old Richians winning the touchdown, which was converted. This reverse stung Nomads back into action with full back Aaron Raath replicating his first half try with another brilliant run. Further pressure by Stroud resulted in their sixth try when prop Tom Warner burst through sveral opponents tackles to score his second try, again converted by Peter Sykes. Old Richians had the last word when poor defensive covering allowed their wing to score with the final play of the game.

Next match: 20th February v Longlevens 2nd XV (away)