Nomads win at home

As the final score suggests this was a very close fought match with the result being in doubt until the final whistle. Nomads once again fielded a bare 15 players with scrum half Callum Gibbs making a welcome return to the fold. Mini/Junior coach Mark Wilkes also made his first appearance for the side at No8 and had a fine game.

Stroud made early inroads into the Berry Hill half and from several good driving mauls wing forward Bob Reid reached over to score the first try, well converted by fly half Cory Baker. Both sides attempted to play open rugby with the young Berry Hill backs always looking dangerous with ball in hand and from one good passage of play their speedy wing scored their first try. Play continued to be even with Nomads forwards winning good ball in the loose giving their backs plenty of opportunity to attack, with centre Jamie Leworthy and full back Jordan Phipps always looking dangerous. However, the Nomads forwards produced the second try from another driving maul with prop Charlie Foote being credited with the try. Berry Hill immediately attacked from the kick off and a good passing movement led to their wing outstripping the Nomads cover defence to score their second try which was converted. Not to be outdone Stroud backs had a fine interchange of passes with centre Jamie Leworthy going over under the posts, which was converted by Cory Baker. With the halftime whistle beckoning Berry Hill ran the ball from their own line and with their wing looking certain the score a fine covering tackle by Nomads wing Fred Stephenson saved the day.

The second half continued at a frantic pace with both sides continuing to play open rugby. Nomads were first on the scoreboard after another driving maul with 2nd row Rob Davey being awarded the touchdown. Berry Hill were not finished and from a mazy run by their full back and some poor tackling by the Stroud side he scored their third try, which was converted. Soon after this they were awarded a penalty kick infront of the Stroud posts, which was duly kicked. Stroud were now coming under strong pressure with Berry Hill looking the stronger side and from a lineout inside the Nomads 22 a loose ball was collected by a Berry Hill forward who ran in unopposed to score their fourth try.
With defeat staring them in the eyes, Nomads went straight down into the Berry Hill half and from a lineout the forwards drove to the Berry Hill try line and prop Charlie Foote appeared with the ball after scoring his second try, converted by Cory Baker. Berry Hill refused to give up and only some good tackling by the Stroud backs kept them out and it was with some relief for the Stroud side when the final whistle was blown.

Next match: 9th April 2016 v Chosen Hill 2nd XV (Away).