Team effort just not enough for nomads

Nomads back to league action after the Christmas break, they found their opponents in a very uncompromising mood and were under pressure from the start. Newent's large pack dominated the opening exchanges and only very good defensive work kept the Nomads line intact. However, Newent were not to be denied and after several determined drives their prop was bundled over for their first try, which was converted. Further strong pressure from the Newent pack led to their second try when one of their speedy centres cut through the Stroud defence and although a good tackle from full back Chris Toon stopped the initial attack, the ball was quickly re-cycled for Newent to score their second try. Nomads immediately upped their game and after some good interplay between backs and forwards centre Brendan Wheeler beat several defenders to open the Stroud account, converted by captain Cory Baker. With the Nomads pack now beginning to gain some control in the scrums, Newent went to uncontested scrums and from a quick break from their scrum half took play into the Stroud 22 where they were awarded a penalty and from the ensuing play drove over the try line for their third try. Nomads came back strongly and after good play by their forwards with second row Lee Marshall, wing forward Nick Stringer making the initial inroads into the Newent 22, hooker Sam Davies was held up near the try line, but new club prop Lee Geddes was on hand to score the Nomads 2nd try.

The second half was again very keenly fought with both sides playing open rugby. Newent however, were first to score with their dangerous backs once again bursting through some poor tackling to allow the centre to score his second and their fourth try. Stroud refused to give up and further good play by centre Brendan Wheeler allowed fly half Cory Baker to carry the ball to within five metres of the Newent try line and although tackled managed to off load the ball to Brendan Wheeler who scored his second try. With Nomads now applying strong pressure, the award of a penalty kick allowed Newent to get downfield into the Stroud half and with the last play of the game their scrum half darted over for their fifth try which was converted.

This was another good performance from the Stroud side, which showed a very determined side who never gave up.

Next match: Stroud Nomads v Old Patesians 3rd XV at Home 21st Jan 2017 ko 2.30pm