MATCH REPORT BY MARK SAMAK
Due to the incessant rain of the previous three days, the final league game of the season was moved to the AGP at the University of Gloucestershire. Avoiding the mud and the slope that would have played a huge role at Everest Road, both teams were able to produce a real spectacle in front of a sizeable and vociferous crowd.

Stroud: 1 Jason Richings 2 Freddie Walls 3 Tommy Allen 4 Chase Stokes 5 Will Tidey 6 Phil Fruin 7 Tom Flanagan 8 Aaron Raath 9 Spike Parsons 10 Joe Ashenford 11 Elliott Bonham 12 Sam Leworthy (Captain) 13 Ben Wilkes 14 Peter Sykes 15 Matt Collins Replacements: 16 Sam Davies 17 Kieran Rodway 18 Eddy Davey-Jawara

Pats kicked off and immediately put Stroud under pressure. Despite a brave take from Flanagan, Parsons was forced into a hurried clearance and Pats had an early attacking opportunity within the Stroud 22. Stroud repelled the lineout drive but Pats were always going to explore the wider channels and slick handling from their backs threatened a score with their first attack. Excellent scrambling defence from Bonham and Collins slowed the attack before Pats began to go through their forward phases. Fruin and Flanagan stopped early carries at source and Tidey was able to snaffle a loose ball to halt the attack. Stroud looked to have regained control with Raath and Leworthy carrying before Ashenford’s clearance kick appeared to be heading for the safety of touch. Landing less than a metre infield, the vagaries of the bounce certainly went against Stroud as the ball bounced back on itself over the Stroud chasers allowing the Pats winger easy collection and a run in at the corner. 5-0.

If mis-fortune was the architect of the first score, Stroud had to accept responsibility for a second early concession. More battling defence stopped a Pats attack - Richings and Stokes proving solid – but Stroud decided to run the ball out from the resultant scrum within their own 22. Leworthy initially carried well but a forced pass in the second phase went to ground and was eagerly picked up by Pats to crash over under the posts. Try Converted. 12-0.

With 5 minutes gone, Stroud were 12 points down and were yet to visit the opposition half – it was certainly a time to dig deep and show the collective spirit that had been evident throughout the season. Pats were however in no mood to let Stroud back in to the game and their defensive press was negating the Stroud carriers. Pats extended their lead with a well-taken penalty after Stroud were penalised for not releasing in the tackle. 15-0.

It was crucial that Stroud gained the next score and stop the momentum that Pats had generated. Fruin certainly led from the front with a number of direct carries and was ably supported by Tidey and Walls. After 15 minutes, Stroud were finally taking the game to Pats and their endeavours would soon reap rewards after Parsons and Wilkes released Sykes into space just inside the Pats half. The right-winger showed evasion and pace to finish well in the corner for a try that was superbly converted by Ashenford from the touchline. 15-7.

The Stroud scrummage was proving a solid as ever – Richings, Walls and Allen more than holding their own. The line-out was less consistent but Walls was able to find Stokes and Tidey to ensure Stroud had their share of possession. Fruin and Flanagan again led the defensive effort in the tighter areas, whilst Leworthy and Wilkes were proving extremely secure when Pats hit the wider channels. Collins – as usual – was more than keen to run ball back from received kicks as the game began to open out. Pats were certainly the most expansive team Stroud had faced all season – another wide attack was stifled with cover from Bonham and Wilkes however the centre was soon forced from the field with injury. Davey-Jawara came on to the wing with Bonham moving into the centres. Despite their expansive nature, Pats next score would come after a driving line-out was stopped but a series of pick and goes would see a score from close range. Try converted. 22-7.

Stroud were certainly getting more into the game; more forwards were now carrying and Leworthy was beginning to gain significant ground with his trademark surges. From one battering run – recycled ball was spread to Collins, who became the victim of a tip-tackle. Would it be a red card? – Quite probably – but the referee opted for yellow.

It was vital for Stroud to exploit the man advantage and a score was soon to follow. Walls found Tidey at the lineout – Raath carried well off Ashenford before the ball went wider. Collins and Bonham combined well to find Leworthy, who surged towards the line. A last-ditch tackle seemed to have halted the skipper’s progress however his power took him on to crash over the line. Ashenford Converted. 22-14.

Half Time Old Patesians 22 Stroud Rugby 14

Stroud kicked off the second half with renewed energy and were soon in Pats territory. Allen fed Tidey for a powerful carry, which forced a penalty. The ensuing kick drifted wide and Pats attacked from behind their own line. Excellent handling released their winger and only excellent covering from Sykes and Parsons stopped a breakaway score. Stroud continued to press with Fruin and Leworthy always prominent and another penalty was soon forced. Ashenford coolly slotted the points and Stroud were back within one score. 22-17.

Davies replaced Richings and continued the solidity of Stroud’s scrummage. In a game where momentum shifted regularly, the next shift was crucial. Pats upped the pace of their attack and quick ball caught Stroud offside – 3 points were comfortably taken. 25-17.
Rodway replaced Raath.

Two tries in quick succession sealed the game for Pats. Each of them was well constructed with powerful forward carries sucking in tacklers before efficient handling exploited overlaps on each side of the pitch. Davey-Jawara and Collins showed bravery in defence but eventually their winger and centre benefitted before their kicker continued his accurate afternoon from the tee. 39-17.
Raath returned to the field to replace Tidey.

It would have been easy at this point for Stroud to go into their shell, however they responded almost immediately. A secure take from Collins ended with the full-back taking another illegal hit. Ashenford’s penalty found touch deep within the Pats 22. Despite the line-out not being cleanly won – a knock on from Pats still gave Stroud an excellent attacking platform. With all eyes on Leworthy and surely another direct surge, Parsons picked his moment to snipe up the blind-side, accelerate away from his opposite number before a right foot step took him inside the two covering defenders to dive over and score. 39-22.

Stroud continued to press – Leworthy carried before the ball went wider to Sykes, who took a rare opportunity to as ever beat his opposite number pushing play toward the Pats 22. Stroud were now really looking to build their phases and Parsons and Ashenford directed proceedings. Raath and Fruin carried strongly before Collins proved elusive to dart within 5m of the line. Good recycling and a carry from Flanagan allowed Ashenford to feed Rodway on a powerful line to crash over underneath the posts for a bonus point score. Ashenford converted. 39-29.

With 5 minutes to go, Stroud were definitely finishing the stronger - a superb line and 30m run from Bonham took play deep into the 22 again however a lack of support resulted in a turnover and no further addition to the scoring.

Full Time Old Patesians 39 Stroud Rugby 29

This defeat is likely to prevent Stroud from claiming the Counties 3 Gloucestershire North title with Pats travelling to Fairford next weekend a win taking the title to Cheltenham. Despite this, at least a second place finish is guaranteed for Stroud in a season that has once again seen a huge development in playing standards, integration of Colts players and a really positive attitude and spirit within the squad. The influence of the new coaching team has had a hugely positive impact on the squad as a whole and now the club look forward to fielding two sides in the Combination Cup with the Nomads making a welcome return to rugby next Saturday.

Massive thanks to the many supporters, who turned up on Saturday. Support this season has been incredible and is much appreciated and valued by all those that have taken the field.

Next Fixtures:
Stroud Nomads v Cirencester 2nd XV (Away) Saturday 8 April 1500 KO
Stroud Rugby v Cirencester 1st XV (Home) Date TBC.