Old pats to strong for Nomads

Old Patesians who fielded a side which included 2nd and 3rd XV players were soon on the attack from the kick off and their speedy backs scored the first try within five minutes. Nomads came back strongly and although the forwards were much smaller and lighter than the visitors pack, they gave a good account of themselves in the loose where back row forwards Mark Phillips, Mark Samak and Elliot Riedler were always at the heart of any play. With Lee Marshall and Dave Clutterbuck filling in as props in the front row they gave a good account of themselves and the Stroud pack although under pressure at the scrums held their own. A good surging run by centre Chris Jones took play into the Old Pats 22, but a dropped ball allowed their backs to surge upfield and from a lineout in the Nomads 22, their pack drove over the line for a second try. Stroud continued to throw everything at the Old Pats defence with centre Mark Peer and wing Aaron Raath being tackled short of the try line. With the first half coming to an end it was Old Pats who showed the way by scoring two quick tries, one from a short penalty near the Stroud line and the other from another sweeping threequarter move.

Nomads were able to start the second half with two props Gareth Culpan and Charlie Foote, which gave the Nomads pack a more solid foundation which showed in the half with them gaining the upper hand at the scrums. Old Pats continued to give their backs every opportunity to attack and their centre burst through to score their fifth try. Nomads tackling throughout the game could not be faulted with both backs and forwards in the thick of both defence and attack. Old Pats scored their final try after another drive from a lineout. Nomads were to be denied and from excellent work from wing Chris Toon who collected a loose ball in his own half made good headway to the half way line where full back Jake Marsh took his pass and weaved some 40yards to score an excellent try converted by Cory Baker. Stroud continued to throw everything into attack and from a penalty award near the Old Pats line wing forward Mark Samak gave a quick pass to No8 Dave Clutterbuck who crashed over the line for Nomads second try.

This was a very spirited performance by the Nomads side who never gave up and were rewarded with the two late tries. Man of the match Jake Marsh.