Nomads overcome the elements

The Nomads entertained Hucclecote in the Gloucestershire reserve merit table match at Fromehall Park fielding a blend of youth and experience in both forwards and backs. As the referee blew the whistle to start the heavens opened making conditions extremely difficult for both sides, standoff Cory Baker used the elements to his advantage putting in some good kicks to the corners, Hucclecote were strong in defence. Stroud then settled into the game and good work from the back row of Rich Brown, Elliott Ridler and Dave Brooks resulted in a Stroud scrum on the opposition twenty two yard line, a quick strike saw scrum half Joe Ashenford dart from the back of the scrum eluding the opposition backrow and then weaving his way through the remaining defenders to score which he then converted. Hucclecote then put the pressure on the Stroud defence, good tackling from Jamie Leworthy, James Morton and Tom Flanagan kept the Stroud line intact. Stroud were unfortunate to lose prop Dave Clutterbuck, hopefully he will think twice about kicking the ball next time. Good strong running from Lee Marshall and Tom Allen resulted in Hucclecote conceding a penalty, converted by Joe Ashenford. Marshall received the kick off and linked well with captain Chris Toon who fed Alex Powell who made excellent ground, Hucclecote again conceding the penalty. Stroud changed tactics and kicked for the corner, Matt Peachman who was dominate all afternoon at the line took the ball cleanly enabling the forwards to get the drive on resulting in a try for veteran hooker Geoff Ashenford. Halftime Stroud leading 15-0.
Stroud continued the second half putting pressure on the Hucclecote line, another lineout taken cleanly by Peachman resulted in the try for Brooks. Stroud were forced into further changes enabling veterans Rob Davey and Andre Sharp to join the fray. It was not long before Davey crossed the line following good work from Ryan Kibble. Stroud then went off the boil for a while letting Hucclecote back into the game with two trys. Stern words from Davey rallied the team resulting in a good period of play with the forwards and backs working as team. Final score of the game was again from the lineout with the forwards putting in a huge effort to enable Davey to barge his way over the line.
This was an excellent team performance showing good skills from all players, players are encouraged to attend training on Tuesday and Thursdays to enable the team to continue this good start to the season.
Man of the match was Alex Powell whose confidence is growing every game resulting in strong runs and good ground made on each occasion he had ball in hand.
Many thanks to Bill Endacott for being touch judge in appalling conditions.
Saturday 18th the Nomads travel to Chosen Hill for another merit table match.