Veterans couldn't stop a strong cheltenham Saracens win

The Nomads took to the field with five veterans playing for the team, Rob Davey, Adam Tarplee, Rob Shipton, Andre Sharp and Guy Hopson and too their credit all performed well. However, against a well drilled, and committed Saracens side it was always going to be an uphill struggle and so it turned out. From the kick off Stroud fumbled the ball and from the ensuing play Cheltenham were awarded a penalty kick which was easily kicked. Nomads went straight onto the attack and after several driving mauls 2nd Row Charlie Foote appeared with the ball and drove over the try line, converted by fly half Cory Baker. Saracens always looked dangerous with the ball in hand and their persistence was rewarded after a loose ball was intercepted by the wing who ran in to score Cheltenham's first try. Nomads again took the attack into the Saracens 22 but poor handling and wrong options let them down. Cheltenham continued to run the ball at every opportunity and only some last ditched tackling by Nomads kept them out. However, they were not to be denied and several fluent threequarter attacks led to three more tries being scored prior to the half time whistle.

The second half started promisingly for Stroud with the forwards maintaining a foot hold in the Saracens half with several promising drives again going to waste due to a lack of cohesion with Saracens snapping up every wayward pass or loose ball and scoring at regular intervals throughout the second half. The one bright light was a excellent passage of play by Nomads backs and forwards which led to full back Andre Sharp giving wing Tom Flanagan a try scoring pass. Mention should be made of Nomads scrum half Joe Little who had an excellent first half but had to leave the field of play due to being unwell.

A very disappointing game for the Nomads but many thanks to all those senior players who turned up and made it possible for the match to take place.

Next match ; Nomads v Matson 2nd XV (h) ko 2.30pm