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Nomads Rugby Football Club
Hampshire Portsmouth Milton Southsea PO RFC League
Isle of Wight 10 - 10 Nomads
As always with Nomads games there is always somebody who is late, usually James Clarke. When the early worries of not having the starting no.8 were dispelled we made our way to the ground.
Upon arrival our saviour and physiotherapist had a busy time of it, strapping,
rubbing and generally healing a large portion of the team. With the formalities
over the game began, unusually without the devilishly handsome blindside
flanker. This didn’t matter however, as the game began as usual
with a sloppy start from Nomads, tackles missed and try scored. With just
a few minutes gone the IOW were ahead 7-0. At this point they thought
they would be able to get a repeat of the corresponding fixture twelve
months ago. Nomads though had other ideas. The defence was stiffened and
the attack was sharpened with Nomads looking dangerous. A poor missed
kick by Jamie ‘I can kick!’ Shore stopped a bit of the momentum
generated by some good play, none the less the initiative was with the
visitors. Twenty minutes into the game veteran all-round player Nicky
Cadle was unable to continue which brought the handsome flanker into the
fray, a stroke of genius by Nicky clearly. The attacking play continued
with the IOW backed up onto their own line unable to move, finally Nomads
crossed the line, a neat inside pass and a great line resulted in debutant
Ollie Ward going over, untouched. The first half ended after a few line
breaks from Nomads but poor ball retention, not good defence, kept the
score line level.
The second half began as always with the nomads head still in half time.
The IOW pushed us right into our own 22, where we were camped for a large
portion of the half. The home side however found no way through, the defensive
work rate was intense, not a single player gave an inch and the IOW did
not get a try. Breaking out a few times with Pete Swift and Dan Mitchell
some of the pressure was relieved. However, the Nomads indiscipline nearly
cost dear with the IOW getting a string of penalties but only converting
one. With minutes to go, Nomads mounted a drive up the field, resulting
in penalty which was converted, the game was again tied. With some tense
moments in the dying minutes, no team wanting to do anything stupid to
lose, the game was over match drawn 10-10.
Special mentions for the entire pack, defensively, attackingly and in
the set piece the whole pack effort was outstanding. The linking between
the forwards and backs was very efficient and posed a constant threat.
Man of the match – Ollie Ward, great debut, good supporting, tackling
and scrapping on the floor.
Ring piece moment – Dan Mitchell, tripping yourself over, you tool.
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Nomads RFC
Portsmouth, UK
