RUGBY: Stroud Nomads secure convincing against Cheltenham Saracens

NOMADS started positively with the set –piece being dominant.

The scrummage was rock solid as ever, with the front row of Charlie Foote, Sam Davies and the returning Tommy Allen not only securing Nomads ball but also disrupting the Saracens scrum.

Adam Clark, on debut and Tom Flanagan were impressive in providing great ball from the lineout courtesy of accurate throwing from Cory Baker.

Strong carries from the back row of Baker, Flanagan and Mark Samak took play into Saracens territory.

Chris Toon continued the momentum with a trade-mark straight run breaking through the defensive line.

Clean ruck ball and quick hands from Jordan Phipps freed Carl Ranscombe, who sidestepped his opposite number before making a fine outside break.

Only a last ditch tackle stopped him but Samak was on hand to pick up and drive over the line for the opening score.

Nomads continued their dominance with more direct running in midfield from Toon leading the way.

The direct route was also taken by Chris Jones with a typical powerful burst, which earned Nomads a penalty when Saracens infringed at the breakdown.

An excellent long –range kick from Joe Spurrell extended the lead to 8-0 Nomads were unlucky not to extend their lead further with first Samak being denied a second try by the referee’s call of obstruction.

Phipps then almost had a free run to the line after a clever blind side pass from Callum Gibbs. Unfortunately, he was pulled back for a foot in touch.

Nomads were unable to add to the scoring in the first half despite coming close with a number of well executed catch and drives from secured ball from Clark.

Although Saracens brave defence kept their line intact, they did have a player sin-binned.

Early in the second half a long clearance kick from Spurrell drove Nomads up field, where excellent disruptive work at the lineout meant they regained possession.

Forward drives from Josh Merrett and Foote continued the momentum before the backs spread the ball wide to free Joe Little on the wing, only once again to be called back - this time for a forward pass.

The hosts were not to be denied for long with another lineout catch and drive resulting in Craig Hill driving over in the corner.

A further extension of the lead was only denied by the cross bar, following a long range penalty from Spurrell.

Saracens unfortunately suffered a number of injuries in the final quarter so Fred McCllennen and Foote donned their shirts to even up numbers.

The scoring was completed with a try in the corner from Flanagan, who outpaced the Saracens winger to touch down following a superbly judged grubber kick through by C Baker. Spurrell added the touchline conversion for the extra two points.