Team dug deep for a great win

An excellent win for the Nomads in a very keenly fought game, with the result being in doubt right up to the final whistle. With centre Sam Leworthy making a welcome return to the fold after his serious facial injury and veteran forward Rupert Wakefield making himself available, Stroud fielded once again a much changed side.

The first half was very even with both sides playing attacking rugby, but defences held firm, with Nomads having two opportunities to score without success. With the first half coming to an end, Lydney's backs cut through the Stroud defence and although Nomads managed to thwart this attack, from the ensuing ruck the Lydney No8 picked up and drove over the try line for their first score, which was converted. From the ensuing kick off Nomads 2nd Row Nick Stringer caught the ball and made excellent progress into the Lydney 22 where he off loaded to centre Sam Leworthy who scored a fine try, converted by fly half Ian Bushell..

Nomads were soon on the offensive at the start of the second half, but missed an early penalty attempt. However, continued pressure led to a scrum in the Lydney half and good ball from No8 Mark Samak gave centre Sam Leworthy the chance to cut through the Lydney defence and score his second try, again converted by Ian Bushell. Lydney came back strongly and with Nomads having Sam Leworthy sin binned for a high tackle, they were given several penalty awards resulting in their second try, which was given as being converted. Both sides continued to play open rugby but tempers became fractious with Nomads once again losing a player to the sin bin. Stroud forwards upped their game with Nick Stringer, Charlie Foote and Mark Phillips to the fore and with full back Jordan Phipps once again showing his attacking talents a good threequarter movement allowed wing Sam Strange to score their third try, converted by Ian Bushell.

Lydney then made every effort to get back into the game, but with Nomads down to 14 men, their sheer determination and defensive tackling kept their line intact. The final whistle went with the spectators hardly able to distinguish the two teams.

Next match 7th January 2017 v Cheltenham 2nd XV (Away) ko 2.30pm

Enjoy Xmas and the New Year