‘I’ve waited 44 years for that’ – Southsea Nomads RFC enjoy winning start to life at new Farlington home

Gavin Fewell scores one of his two tries for Southsea Nomads against Stoneham. Picture: Neil Marshall

Not even Storm Eunice or a bad traffic accident could prevent them beating Stoneham 31-5 in a Hampshire 2 fixture at Farlington.

As reported in The News last week, Nomads have finally found a permanent base - 44 years after being formed - at the St John’s College pitch and facilities.

Torrential rain 30 minutes before kick off almost threatened the match, so referee Roy Coombes agreed with the two captains to play two 30-minute halves.

Muddy marvel - Southsea Nomads' Billy Wilkinson, left
Picture: Neil Marshall — Muddy marvel - Southsea Nomads' Billy Wilkinson, left Picture: Neil Marshall

Chairman Ken Walker hosted a pre-match lunch for around 70 guests, including former Nomads players - the eldest of which was 81-year-old Peter English, a player when the club were formed in 1978.

Members of the RFU, Hampshire RFU and Stoneham officials were also present. Due to a three-car collision on the Farlington roundabout, the lunch was delayed - forcing guests to miss the kick off!

‘It was terrific, a really, really good afternoon,’ Walker told The News. ‘I have been waiting 44 years for that. Everything was thrown at us but we did what we’re good at and showed resilience.’

Stoneham arrived with a bare XV so, in the true spirit of rugby, Nomads loaned them players so the game could be a competitive one.

From left - Julie Greenslade (Executive Director Hampshire RFU), Ken Walker (Southsea Nomads chairman), Phil Brooks (one of the club's major sponsors), Jed Stone (former Hampshire RFU President) and Georgia Leprohon (HRFU Management Board).
Picture: Neil Marshall — From left - Julie Greenslade (Executive Director Hampshire RFU), Ken Walker (Southsea Nomads chairman), Phil Brooks (one of the club's major sponsors), Jed Stone (former Hampshire RFU President) and Georgia Leprohon (HRFU Management Board). Picture: Neil Marshall

Nomads scored five tries through Gavin Fewell (2), Jonathan Branston, Dan Stokes and Max Clark, with Branston adding three conversions.

Clark also scored Stoneham's consolation try whilst guesting for the opposition.

Like many clubs up and down the country, Nomads and Stoneham retired their number 11 shirts for the day in memory of Jack Jeffrey.

The Evesham RFC player, 27, had tragically died the previous weekend from injuries sustained while scoring a try.

Nomads, meanwhile, will again remember former player Ash Clarke at their annual memorial match on April 23, a ‘vets v nippers’ friendly which will be the final game of the season at Farlington.