Junior Combination Cup

Tetbury 17 

Stroud Nomads 9

TETBURY RFC progressed to the semi-final of the Junior Combination Cup following hard fought win over Stroud Nomads.

For the first 20 minutes both teams looked to find a break through with positive rugby played by both sides.

The Stroud backs looking to attack at every opportunity while the Tetbury pack seemed to have the nudge on their counterparts with young Niblett being a nuisance in the line out.

Two Tom Horrell penalties gave Tetbury a 6-0 half time lead after fine work from loose forwards Pete Roberts and Ant Jaep caused Stroud to infringe.

After the restart the industrious Ryan Leather was replaced by Mark Snell along with Charlie Eddolls adding his mass to the scrum.

Stroud scored two penalties from offside infringements as Tetbury struggled to contain the visitors pacy backline.

However, a fine blindside try from fullback Josh Hughes gave Tetbury some breathing space, until, Stroud added another penalty to make it 11-9 after 65 minutes.

Tetbury captain Billy Udall led from the unfamiliar position of hooker and urged his side to play for territory and grind out the result.

Stroud yet again managed to gain ground and look to score until a knock on and gritty defensive would see Tetbury clear their line with Horrell and Jensen kicking intelligently to gain field position.

Tetbury added another penalty in the 70th minute with Horrell adding another three points after great work from Clarke and Hoare in the pack.

As the game entered the final five minutes Tetbury won another penalty, up stepped try scorer Hughes who confidently knocked over the points to take the score to 17-9.

Stroud as they did all game refused to accept the score line and camped on the Tetbury line for the final moments of the game looking for a chance to snatch a score.

The hosts repelled the Stroud attack and held out to claim the win.

Following the match Tetbury’s coach Stephen Knight made reference to the fine performance of Stroud, who gave Tetbury their toughest game of th