Nomads beat locals Dursley

This local friendly was played in a very good spirit with the final score not really showing a true reflection of what was a very close match until the final quarter. In the first half Nomads were never allowed to get into any rythmn, due in main to the Dursley pack who won plenty of lineout ball and were able to boss much of the loose play with their big forwards using the rolling maul to good advantage.

On the several occasions the quick Stroud backs got good clean ball, poor handling or wrong options spoiled their chances of scoring. Nomads did open the scoring with a good passage of play involving forwards and backs and giving wing Alex Powell the chance to score a try in the corner, converted by fly half Ian Bushell. A second try came soon after when from a Dursley attack wing forward Tom Flanagan picked up in his own 22 and with the try line beckoning was hauled down, but from the ensuing ruck centre Jake Marsh ran unopposed to score, again converted. This spurred Dursley into action and from several short penalty kicks near the Nomads try line they scored their first try, which was converted. Only good defensive tackling stopped Dursley scoring a further try just before half time.

In the second half Nomads were under pressure from the start with Dursley's forwards still continuing to win good ball at the lineout and in the loose. However, Stroud broke free inside their own half with full back Sam Leworthy bursting through several tackles to score their third try. Further pressure by Nomads gave replacement scrum half Joe Ashenford an easy penalty kick. Not to be outdone Dursley came straight back and from a rolling maul their forwards crashed over for their second try.

With both sides making replacements, Stroud at last started to play their free flowing game and in quick succession Sam Leworthy and centre James Norbury scored further tries, one converted by Joe Ashenford. With Dursley now visibly tiring another fine run by James Norbury resulted in a try and the final play of the game.

A fine open game by both sides. Man of the match Stroud scrum half Ben Dodd.

Next match: 24th October 2015 To be arranged.