Nomads march on to the Grand Championship Final

After a walkover in the quarter-finals Nomads had DEA in the semi-final. Nomads had defeated DEA twice in the league but they were always close affairs and DEA had a few experienced players wheeled out for the big match.

Nomads started brightly at first but were guilty of trying to play too much rugby before the hard work had been done and not finishing opportunities. Some silly penalties and some defensive mistakes led to DEA getting on the scoreboard first with a well worked try, moving the ball out wide. Nomads came back into the game but again patience was lacking and opportunities went a begging. Eventually the forwards took control from a driven lineout. DEA pulled it down but the forwards were patient. Several driven pick and go’s put nomads within a few metres of the tryline. Tank then pulled the defence across and popped Moses into the space, a move that is becoming his trademark, he drove through 3 defenders to score. It had taken 26 minutes but Nomads were on the score sheet. Dowsey kicked the extras.

Nomads then gave away a soft penalty. From a kick off the ref judged that nomads were cheating at their lineout drive. DEA took it quickly and put in a high kick to the wing. The wing gathered it up and scampered down the wing to score.

Nomads came back strong Calvin almost scoring in the right hand corner. Nomads kept the pressure on. Despite DEA’s best efforts to cheat, the forwards stayed strong and after more drives Tyler emerged from a pile of bodies with his 8^th try in 13 games. From the kick off Nomads played their game plan to full effect, sweeping up the field with multi-phase rugby. Only desperate cheating from DEA prevented a try and they were shown a yellow card after one warning too many. From a penalty move just help short, Dowsey got the ball, used some footwork and stayed strong in the tackle and was driven over the line.

With only 5 minutes left of the half Nomads were guilty of falling asleep at the wrong time. Near their own line Nomads switched off in defense and allowed the DEA scrum half to sneak through for a try. At half time the score was 19-19.

In the half time team talk a few strong words were said and the team re-focused. This has an immediate effect as Nomads took DEA on up front from the Kick-off. DEA quickly gave penalties and soon Nomads were battering the DEA line. After yet another penalty Dowsey tapped and hit Calvin unmarked out wide for a try inside 5 minutes.

This time Nomads made no mistakes from the kick –off. They continued to dominate play. The forwards kept the pressure on DEA constantly, never letting them settle. Tank and Dowse moved the play around and Craig and Blake made big carries. The pressure led to DEA making a poor clearance kick. The forwards drove 15metres into the DEA 22. Craig carried, and then Tyler made a huge run brushing off defenders. From a quick ruck, Dowsey hit Steve standing wide and flat. He ran between two defenders to score and start to take the game away from DEA.

DEA then had a period of pressure. However, they forced things as they chased the game and Nomads stayed composed. Even losing Blake for a Yellow Card had little effect. If anything it galvanized the team and soon they were putting DEA under pressure again. Mike Crosse came on and put the ball deep into the corners. DEA were forced to kick and Angus, Calvin and Chris were in their element counter attacking. Soon they were on the DEA tryline as DEA leaked penalties. Moses got the ball from a ruck and drove over for his second.

There was one more try to come as the pattern of the second half was repeated. DEA lost composure in attack, Nomads counter attacked and DEA gave away penalties. After more pressure Crossy dived over for the final try of the afternoon. That was how it stayed and Nomads go onto the semi-final after a confident second-half. Final score Nomads 45- DEA 19.