Nomads reign in the rain

BIDEFORD NOMADS and Topsham 3rds put on a feast of running rugby despite driving rain.

The commitment on both sides was 100% and the skill level tremendous as Nomads won 15-5.

The visiting Bideford side started with an early Shaun Woodhead penalty, followed soon after by a fine try from full-back Lee Faux, running in from halfway.

Brave tackling from both sides kept the score to 8-0 at the interval.

Nomads captain Mike Powe led by example and hooker Mike Stark and back-row Jason Turner were constantly in the thick of the action.

The rain continued to pour, but the quality of play defied the elements.

Bideford's pack had the edge with Marco Flores, Chris Walter and Matt Cornish leading the way.

On the hour, Nomads broke from defence with Stuart Arnett-Clarke winning a long chase to touch down a fine clearance kick. Woodhead added the extras from wide out with a superb conversion.

Replacements Shaun Norris and debutant James Atkinson then found themselves in a rearguard action to preserve the lead.

Topsham scored a try with 10 minutes remaining but Nomads held on for their third successive victory.

The whole team shared the man of the match honours.