Matson our run Stroud

Nomads travelled to Matson with greater numbers than in recent weeks. Persistent rain before kick-off made for tricky conditions and conditions steadily deteriorated throughout the game.

Nomads made a positive start pressurising from the kick-off. Spilled ball at the breakdown handed possession back to Stroud and that possession was retain through a number of phases. Strong carries from Adrian Potrykus and Liam Downer made inroads into the Matson defence.

From one of these early carries, fly-half Jake Marsh cleverly chipped over the on rushing defence and Cory Baker was following up quickly to win the ball and deflect it into the path of Lee Marshall, who drove towards the line. Held up just short, the ball was smuggled to Sam Davies to plunge over to score. Joe Spurrell converted to give Nomads reward for their early ascendency.
Nomads continued to dominate possession and looked dangerous even from deep, where only a debateable forward pass stopped Jack Young from being released out wide.

For the next period, Nomads were camped in the Matson 22 but couldn’t break down a stout defence. When Matson did secure possession determined tackling led up front by Nick Stringer and the back row of Liam Downer, Mark Phillips and Mark Samak kept Matson pinned deep in their own territory. Untimely handling errors however unfortunately prevented Nomads from adding to their early score. Matson finally gained some possession and territory and made instant use of it with their centre making a quick outside break before inside support allowed them to cross under the posts.

The final 15 minutes of the half were dominated by Matson who scored three more tries courtesy of strong, elusive running and gaps in the Nomads defence.
Matson started the second half in the same vain, scoring two tries out wide.
The final 20 minutes did see Nomads at least gain parity terms of possession and territory but they were unable to add to the scoring.

A re-shuffle in the backs was necessary due to injuries to Chris Toon and Cory Baker. One positive was the scrummage, which was solid throughout, led by Damien Cox and Josh Stratton and provided the base for some direct running from Adrian Potrykus, who had moved out into the centre. A half break from Jake Marsh and off load to Joe Spurrell, who was his usual busy self, came close to breeching the Matson defence but it was not to be.

Full Time Matson 2nd XV 36 Nomads 7
This was a tough afternoon against well organised opposition but Nomads certainly did not perform to their potential. It has however given the Nomads plenty of things to consider for the three remaining games before Christmas.

Nomads will hope to get back on the winning trail when they travel to Old Cryptians next Saturday.