Cheltenham 2nd XV 21-25 Stroud Nomads 

STROUD Nomads ground out a well-earned victory away at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Nomads started on the front foot, dominating proceedings at the set piece, and it was a strong scrummage that gave them the platform for the first try.

Joe Spurrell fed fly half Cory Baker, who ghosted around his opposite number before powering through the full back to score near the posts. Spurrell converted.

Nomads continued to dominate and after Jonny Toon gathered the kick off, quick ruck ball allowed them to create space out wide.

Chris Toon broke the line and offloaded to Aussie Bob, before the ball was moved out wide to allow Nick Stringer to dive over in the corner. Spurrell converted.

After a careless knock on by Nomads, Cheltenham attacked left from the resulting scrum.

The hosts recycled the ball quickly and the Cheltenham fly half weaved a path through a disorganised defensive line to score a try near the posts, which was converted.

This try caused a momentum shift and the Cheltenham back row forward was able to make a 20 metre break unopposed and score under the posts. The conversion levelled the scores at 14-14.

However, Nomads struck back before half-time following an excellent kick chase from Baker.

Cheltenham took the ball back over their try line and eventually knocked the ball on, allowing Sam Davis to swoop in and touch the ball down for an unconverted score.

Nomads started the second half in a positive manner and after strong play from the forward pack, a Cheltenham infringement gave Spurell the opportunity to extend the lead with a penalty kick, which he duly converted.

More good work from the Nomads forced Cheltenham to concede a penalty at the break down and Spurell again slotted the points to give Nomads a 25-14 lead.

However, Cheltenham continued to pose a threat through their big runners and eventually their back row forward powered through to score close to the posts. The conversion narrowed the gap to four points.

Nomad’s heads did not drop, if anything this score seemed to galvanise the defensive effort even further.

Strong tackling led by Josh Merrett , Davis, Mark Phillips and Baker meant that despite a much greater amount of possession in the final 10 minutes, Cheltenham were unable to break the defensive line.

Next Game Saturday,  November 11 v Coney Hill (Home) Kick Off 2.30pm.