Old Pats upset Hopkins returns from injury

The Nomads were able to field last years 1st XV captain Liam Hopkins who was returning after over a years absence with a knee injury.

Old Pats opened the game very strongly and kept the Nomads penned into their half for the first 20 minutes and opened the scoring with a good break from their centre who score close to the posts making an easy conversion.

Stroud came more into the game as the half progressed and some good interplay by Lee Marshall, Adam Tarplee and Liam Hopkins resulted In fly half Cory Baker scoring an unconverted try.

The second half was evenly fought with Nomads making several determined breaks and wing James Morton was held up just short of the try line. Old Pats then relieved the pressure through a converted penalty kick and only good defensive work by centres Aaron Rath, making his debut and Jamie Leworthy stopped a further score.

Nomads then returned to the attack and some more good forward play enabled full back Jordan Phipps to score their second unconverted try.

With both teams looking for the win Old Pats drove into the Stroud 22 and from an ensuing ruck their No 8 crashed over for the winning try.

On the whole a much improved display by the Nomads with a welcome return to the game for Liam Hopkins.

Next game 15th November - opponents to be arranged.