Stroud nomads draw

Another cold and soggy afternoon did not discourage either side, with both teams making an effort to play open rugby in the atrocious conditions. From the kick off play was end to end with both sides making plenty of handling errors which was to be expected.

Stroud opened the scoring after some 15minutes of play when a good handling movement gave wing Tom Flanagan a chance to score in the corner, with fly half Cory Baker making an excellent conversion. Longlevens stormed back and after several driving mauls a good break by their centre led to a try by the wing, which was converted.

Play continued to be a challenge for both teams with the slippery ball making good open play a lottery. However, Nomads through their forwards drove to the Longlevens 22 and from the ensuing maul No8 Josh Grundy slid over for the 2nd try. Not to be outdone Longlevens immediately pounced on a dropped ball and the wing scooted up field to score their second try.
With conditions worsening further driving mauls by the Stroud forwards gave centre Chris Jones the opportunity to crash over for the third try. With the halftime whistle approaching Longlevens once again pounced on a loose ball and their centre hacked upfield to beat the covering defence and score their third try, which was converted.

The second half was a hard slog for both teams, with Nomads once again taking the lead after the forwards had driven to the Longlevens try line and from the maul, 2nd Row Rob Davey was awarded the try converted by Cory Baker. Several good runs by full back Aaron Raath came to nothing, and he had to leave the field of play some 20minutes from the end feeling unwell. Longlevens continued to attack and after spending several minutes near the Stroud try line, their wing managed to cross for their fourth try. With time running out Stroud were put under immense pressure, but their defensive tackling held up and managed to clear their line, only to be penalised for a high tackle. The penalty kick nearly in front of the posts was missed by Longlevens and the game finished in an honourable draw.

Mention should be made of the two players Longlevens loaned to the Stroud side, who played their part in the game.

Man of the match was awarded to wing Tom Flanagan for his try and all round tackling throughout the game.

Next match: Nomads v Coney Hill 2nd XV (h) possibly at Marling School ko 2.30pm.