Nomads rue missed opportunities

So it turned out to be with the Nomads being under intense pressure from the kick off. The Centralians looked sharp and purposeful with forwards and backs combining well and after 5 minutes and overlap on ther right led to the wing scoring in the corner, the try was not converted. The Nomads continued to be under pressure and only excellent tackling by Chris Anderson and Chris Toon prevented another score. However, the next try for Centralians soon came with their powerful centre bursting through some poor tackling and scoring near the posts, this was duly converted. Stroud were unable to get into the game and after 20 minutes another drive by the Centralians forwards resulted in them crossing the Nomads line for a converted try. This score at last got the Nomads forwards into action with Lee Marshall and Liam Hopkins driving forward and retaining possession, giving the backs and opportunity at last to show their mettle. Nomads were awarded a penalty kick after Centralians had transgressed at the ruck, however a difficult kick for Corey Baker was missed. From the 22 drop out Nomads went back onto the attack and from a ruck on the Centralians 22 the ball squirted out and centre Harry Phillips picked up and crossed for a try wide out, the conversion was missed.

The second half brought the Nomads more into the game with both the forwards and backs at last putting several phases of play together resulting in Corey Baker and Neil Broadbent giving winger Chris Anderson a run from the halfway line to score at the posts, the conversion hit the upright and bounced back. The Nomads kept up the pressure and an excellent handling movement by the backs should have led to another try, but the final pass was dropped with the line beckoning. Centralians had the last say when their winger broke out of defence kicked ahead was stopped just short of the line but managed to give a try scoring pass to one of his colleagues, the try was converted.

This was another game which the Nomads had opportunities to win but on this occasion gave their opponents too much respect for the opening half hour of the game. Once again the young players shone with Sam Davies having a particularly good game.
Next match: Saturday 19th November 2011 v Brockworth 2nd XV at Fromehall Park.