Nomads shine under Fromehall lights.

The Nomads hosted Tetbury on Friday evening looking to stop a run of loses in fixtures where they had struggled to field more than 15 players. The ground looked fantastic under lights, a good crowd was building and most importantly Nomads were able to field a squad of 22 players.

Nomads immediately pressurised Tetbury from the kickoff regaining their own kick. Quick ball allowed Jake Marsh to release full back Cory Baker on an excellent line; good quick hands from Chris Toon then fed Gary Claxton to open the scoring immediately on the right wing. Joe Spurrell kicked the conversion.

Continuing with their positive start Nomads won quick ruck ball allowing the backs to be freed with Chris Toon making excellent ground despite the attention of a number of would be tacklers. A well executed line out, which was a feature of the evening gave the opportunity for Jake Marsh to release Mark Phillips with a short ball to break the defensive line. More confident handling from the backs put Chris Toon over for a try converted by Joe Spurrell from the right hand side.

Nomads were soon back in Tetbury territory with dominant displays at the scrummage led by Lee Geddis and Tom Warner producing solid possession whilst disrupting Tetbury on their own ball.

Line out possession from Nick Stringer and Aussie Bob Reid was also flowing freely due to accurate throwing from Matt Hunt. One drive resulted in Tom Warner being held up just short of the line. Unfortunately, indiscipline at the breakdown would allow Tetbury to clear their lines. Concession of penalties would blight Stroud in the next 15 minutes and allowed Tetbury to make easy territory, which to their credit they turned into points with a well executed catch and drive from a line out.

Half Time Nomads 14 Tetbury 5

The second half began with a number of changes but Nomads continued their ascendency in the scrummage. From an early scrum, Jake Marsh made an excellent break from half way only to be dragged down just short of the line. An excellent clear out and quick hands put Sam Strange over in the corner. Another solid scrummage allowed Mark Samak to pick up quickly from the base and feed Joe Spurrell, whose clever kick caused indecision in the Tetbury defence and allowed Sam Strange to pick up and stroll in for a second try.

Tetbury refused to lie down and used the strengthening wind to their advantage, pining Nomads back in the corner from where the scored with another catch and drive.

Play was now becoming more fragmented and open, which suited Nomads backline with Jake Marsh again breaking from distance before unselfishly off loading to Jack Young for the first of his tries. Nomads were now maintaining the lions share of possession with Ben Stephens producing quick ball off the top of the line outs as well as securing possession from the kick off. One take allowed Bob Reid to show classic Southern Hemisphere skills, with an outrageous show and go then making 30m before releasing Jake Marsh to run in from the halfway line.

Tetbury continued to use the driving lineout and scored two quick tries to keep Nomads focussed on the task. Another powerful surge from Thomas “The Tank” Warner pushed Nomads back into the Tetbury 22. Jamie Leworthy, who had carried powerfully all evening then showed the effectiveness of a good hand-off to score under the posts.

The final 10 minutes saw Nomads run in further long distance tries from Jack Young twice and man of the match Jake Marsh. Joe Spurrell completed the scoring with another conversion to end a highly enjoyable and successful evening for the Nomads.

Full Time Nomads 64 Tetbury 20

Nomads now return to Reserve League fixtures next Saturday at Home to Gloucester Old Boys. Kick off 3:00pm. With a regained positivity and hopefully good numbers, Nomads look forward to the games ahead.

Many thanks to Tetbury for coming down for the first of hopefully a number of Friday evening fixtures for the Nomads.