After a series of somewhat stop-start ‘friendlies’, the Fullerians arrived at the final test of 2025 knowing this would be a proper line check. Last season ended at the semi-final barrier with an absolute thumping, knocked out by a bigger, stronger Nomads side. The big question as we pulled out of the station: how much had the gap closed?

From the opening five minutes it was clear both teams had upgraded their rolling stock. This was going to be a proper contest – physical, competitive, and exactly what both coaching teams were hoping for.

The first half started brightly for Fullerians, but some aggressive counter-rucking and a delay getting the ball out of the rucks saw Nomads hit the first stop on the scoreboard, edging ahead 0–5.

“Stand clear of the closing doors…”
Fullerians responded quickly. The pack fronted up, matching Nomads’ physicality, and with space opening up out wide, Charlie spotted the gap and scampered over to put us ahead 7–5.

What followed was a real back-and-forth commuter battle. Both teams were guilty of missing open platforms out wide, while some excellent defensive work kept things tight. However, just before half-time, Nomads found daylight twice to head into the break with a 7–17 advantage.

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Second Half – Change at the Platform

The second half saw both sides put together some decent phase play, but neither managed to punch through early. Defensive pressure from Fullerians began to tell, testing Nomads’ handling, and when a loose bouncing ball appeared near the try line, poacher extraordinaire Charlie was first to the scene, grabbing his second to narrow the gap to 14–17.

Game back on. Mind the gap.

In true friendly-fixture style, players were encouraged to try new positions. Some changes ran smoothly, others… required a rail replacement bus service. Dara settled neatly into the second row, Luke H returned to the front-row trenches, and Conor did a solid shift at 9 before deciding it involved far too much running (either that or the late-night social calendar had caught up with him).

Recent recruit Noah D came off the bench for an accomplished debut, showing maturity beyond his years. His future at Fullerians Rugby is definitely heading in the right direction.

The game stayed finely balanced. Olly N, playing his first minutes on a phased return – and in the unfamiliar surroundings of the 10 shirt – crossed for what looked like the winning try, only for it to be mysteriously ruled out. This week’s training focus on accepting decisions and keeping heads was immediately tested… and passed with flying colours. Credit to the players for staying composed and focused.

With time almost up, Nomads landed a late sucker punch to take the result, but as the final whistle blew it was clear: 2025 will be remembered as the year the gap truly started to close.

Full Time 14 Fullerians 24 Nomads

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Player Awards
• Spartan & Twonk of the Day – Zac
Both awards earned in the same play. A huge tackle sent a Nomads player flying over the touchline… unfortunately followed by taking out our DoR, Spencer Craze, leaving him flat on his backside. Textbook commitment, questionable accuracy.
• Back of the Day – Noah
With a touch more selflessness from teammates he could’ve had a brace, but his defensive work was immense and fully deserving of the nomination.
• Forward of the Day – Ollie G
It could have gone to super-prop Dara for out-sprinting every back on a kick chase, but for his relentless “I’ll do everything” approach, Ollie G continues to improve week on week.

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TREDS – Respect

The respect shown to the opposition (they were big, but we’re improving) and to the referee was excellent. The work we’ve done on mental approach really showed. Most importantly, the players are showing growing respect for each other and a willingness to work harder and harder as a unit.

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Coaches’ Corner

Progress is clear, but improved accuracy when exploiting overlaps will help us take another step forward. We’ll continue to focus on setting our forward pod system and then problem-solving as play moves from phase to phase.

With injured players returning and league and cup rugby resuming in January, competition for places will be intense. Who’s going to put their hand up and claim that jersey?

Final destination: exciting times ahead for 2026. ??