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FULLERIANS 1st XV 20 Luton 26

FULLERIANS 1st XV 20 Luton 26

Kevin Brind9 Sep 2018 - 16:55
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A loss but a valuable bonus point for first home game of the season

London 1 North League

A brand new clubhouse wasn’t enough to get Fullers going on their first home game of the season. A disappointing away loss to North Walsham last week where first up tackles let Fullers down everything was in place to kick start the season at home.

Fullers indeed started the brighter and worked the ball well only for the last pass to be knocked on when the scoring opportunity was on offer. The home side did take the lead after a lovely break by James Maher broke the Luton defence and he linked with centre Charlie Dollard to score. Dan Evans converted.

Once again Fullerians put themselves under pressure right from the kick off and allowed Luton to score an easy try. Fullers however redeemed themselves when Maher broke the home side defence to score after some lovely interplay by forwards and backs.

Fullers could have extended their lead but were let down by some basics by dropping the ball or that last pass went forward. Prop Tom McDougall crashed over from short range and scored only for the official to say it was held up over the line.

Luton went ahead to lead 12-14 at the break once again helped by some weak tackling from Fullers.

In the second half Fullers played some good rugby but handling once again let them down at the most critical of times. They were awarded a penalty as Luton were at last caught offside but the ball hit the post and Luton cleared their lines.

Luton extended their lead with a well worked try but Fullers came back into the match when wing Julien Bescond crashed over in the corner. The home side were awarded another penalty and this time Evans converted for a 20-19 score with 7 minutes remaining.

Unfortunately Fullers put themselves under pressure by not clearing their lines from the restart. Luton were then awarded a penalty for a high tackle and kicked for the corner. They eventually crashed over for the decisive score in the corner.

In the dying minutes Fullers went up field to get good field position looking for that score and made some great progress only for the ball to be knocked on and sum up the day for Fullers

“We played some good rugby at times but we couldn’t keep hold of the ball today, either knocking the ball on or making a forward pass at the most critical times. Decisions didn’t go our way but we need to hold onto the ball better, go through the phases and be more patient. Luton scored from our mistakes and credit to them.” commented Fullerians Head Coach Rich Hoskins.

Team. Barson, D. Horne, MacDougall, Boyd, South, D. Toon (C. Head 50), Barrett, Kerr, Wells (Espin 50), Matchett, Bescond (Wells 50), Dollard, Maher, Woodham, Evans (Captain). K. Williams

Man of the Match: James Maher

Further reading