Cheltenham Saracen to strong for Nomads

This was the third meeting this season with Cheltenham Saracens and was once again a keenly contested match with Nomads not taking the scoring opportunities that came their way during the match, while Saracens capitalised on theirs.
The first half was very evenly matched with both sides not able to translate scoring chances into points. The packs were very evenly matched with Nomads 2nd rows Harvey Mead and Nick Stringer winning plenty of ball at the lineouts and loose forwards Mark Samak and Mark Phillips always in the thick of the action. Saracens were first to put points on the board after Stroud were penalised for not moving away from a ruck, with the ensuing penalty kick being converted. Good strong running from Nomads centres, brothers Jamie and Sam Leaworthy took play into the Cheltenham 22 but from turnover ball Saracens raced away and scored their first try which was converted. Stroud were soon on the attack again and from good interplay between forwards and backs wing Alex Powell making a welcome return to the side crashed over in the corner for a try. Further good play by the Nomads backs released full back Sam Strange on a run for the line, but when tackled just short the try scoring pass to Alex Powell was adjudged forward.

The second half was as keenly fought as the first although Nomads were soon under pressure after fly half Ian Bushell had to leave the field having been concussed. His replacement Aiden Gibbs also making a welcome return to the side, allowed captain Cory Baker to return to his normal position at fly half. Saracens were next on the scoreboard after their wing forward made a defence splitting run scoring their second try which was converted. Stroud then lost wing Alex Powell with a leg injury , but several good forward drives took play into the Cheltenham 22 with good positions being wasted by penalty kicks being given away. From one such penalty award Cheltenham moved the ball quickly down field and were rewarded with their third try. Although Nomads continued on the offensive Saracens once again took advantage of a loose ball in their own half and drove downfield to score their fourth try. With Nomads attacking on the Cheltenham try line the final whistle was blown.

The final score did not truly reflect the game as a whole, with Nomads 2nd row Harvey Mead winning the Man of the Match award.

Next week 14th January 2017 v Newent 2nd XV (away)