Lack of Numbers puts Nomads on the Back Foot.

Nomads travelled to Berry Hill with only 12 players after late pull-outs and call-ups to the 1st XV. Facing a squad of 18, it was always going to be tough in a game that was played as 12 a side with uncontested scrummaging.
Nomads : 1 James Nash 2 Sam Davies 3 Mark Samak 4 Nick Stringer 5 Lee Marshall 8 Cory Baker (Captain) 9 Callum Gibbs 10 Luke Peer 11 Alex Nash 12 Tom Taylor 13 Dom Stephenson 14 Will Mapletoft.
Nomads kicked off with the benefit of the slope and a pin-point kick from Peer allowed Samak and Marshall to instantly apply pressure. Although, the ball was initially secured, a knock-on at the base awarded Nomads early possession within opposition territory. From the scrum, Gibbs spread play to Peer, who found Taylor running a hard line and getting well over the advantage line. Good ball retention, allowed the ball to be transferred to Stephenson and Mapletoft, who combined well on the right to take play with 5m of the line. With the ball slowed up, the forwards took over with a series of pick and drives, which eventually saw Samak being held up on the line. Baker fed Taylor again on another hard line and although the defence was secure - ball was secured before forward carries from Stringer and Samak again took play within inches of the line. This time the ball was recycled and Gibbs fed Peer, who varied play with a perfectly weighted cross-kick for Baker to acrobatically pounce on and ground the ball just before it crossed the dead ball line. Peer converted superbly from the touchline. 0-7.
A secure take from Marshall appeared to have laid the platform for more possession but spilt ball at the breakdown offered Berry Hill their first opportunity to attack. Looking to spread the ball wide they found Taylor and Stephenson solid in defence and Baker was able to show great strength to rip the ball in the tackle and spread play to Gibbs. Spotting an overlap, Gibbs was able to put Mapletoft into space and he showed pace to take play up into the 22. Unfortunately, the final pass went to ground. Berry Hill cleared from the scrum but Nomads were keen to run the ball straight back and carries from Stephenson and Baker again took play within 5m. Samak was again held up over the line before Gibbs and Baker found Peer running a great line to cross close to the posts. Peer converted. 0-14.
Marshall again secured the restart and this time the breakdown was secure. Varying play, Taylor chipped through but the Berry Hill cover was good and they looked to spread play wide for the first time. Making ground into the Nomads 22, they then varied their play with short range pick and goes, which their substantially bigger forwards made inroads before a final drive exploited a gap close to the ruck for a score. 5-14.
From the kick-off, Berry Hill initially went direct again before spreading play wider. Solid defence from Davies in particular saw the attacks repelled before Berry Hill went back to their pick and drive game which bore fruit when they crossed out wide. 10-14.
Unfortunately, Peer had to leave the field with injury and although Berry Hill provided a player to balance the numbers, Nomads suffered with the re-shuffle of players leading to gaps in the defence and conceded a try by the posts. Try Converted. 17-14.
Half Time Berry Hill United 17​Stroud Nomads 14
The second half was always going to be a tough ask, playing up the slope and with fatigue setting in. Berry Hill were able to bring on fresh legs and in the end this told, running in four second half tries, two of which were converted.
Berry Hill exploited turnovers and gaps in the defensive line and ran in tries at regular intervals throughout the second half.
Full Time Berry Hill United 41​Stroud Nomads 14
This was a hugely brave and committed effort by the 12 who made the trip to the Forest. However it clearly shows that Nomads will struggle to compete in this league unless they can field consistent squads of at least 16-18 players. Nomads on paper have those players and those players undoubtedly have the talent but it is now essential for those players to play more regularly. Hopefully, numbers will rise next week as Nomads are once again on the road.
Next Fixture: (Away) v Newent 2nd XV Saturday 21 September Kick Off 1500.