Stroud Nomads 46 Swindon 0
THIS fixture was the first between the two clubs for at least 10 years, writes Chris Skey.
Stroud were quick into their stride and from a ruck on the Swindon 22, centre Chris Toon cruised through the Swindon defence for the first try.
Nomads backs looked dangerous every time they received the ball and it was no surprise when full back Jordan Phipps received the ball on the halfway line and outstripped the cover defence to score under the posts.
With the Swindon pack dominating the scrum they kept the ball tight, but at crucial moments they gave away possession to allow Stroud to run the ball back at them.
It was from one such turnover that Nomads swept downfield with at least eight players handling to give Toon the opportunity to score his second try.
With the Stroud forwards beginning to win more ball in the loose – especially prop Charlie Foote who made several bullocking runs – another try by centre Jake Marsh ended the first half.
Stroud made several changes at half-time, giving 17-year-old Joe Little a taste of senior rugby at centre, and he was able to give a try-scoring pass to second row Dan Whittaker after a passing movement which had started in the Stroud 22.
With the forwards supplying more ball to scrum-half Joe Ashenford further tries were scored by Charlie Foote, Jamie Leworthy and finally by replacement second row Jess Stevens. Three of the Nomads tries were converted by Ashenford.
