Back on the pitch at last!

The match started off with a bit of a trepidation about how we were going to perform, given that there had only been one training session held recently, however as the game went on our fears were mis-placed. Luton had a big, heavy pack and the first couple of scrums went their way in a big way. Changing our body positions soon put a stop to that and our pack became more and more dominant , winning not only the vast majority of our own ball but also stealing a large proportion of theirs against the head. Likewise in the loose our forwards were very strong securing good and fast ball, which was released to our backs who were fully engaged in play.

Luton took an early lead scoring in the corner. However that was to be their only score of the game, despite coming very close to a second in almost the exact same space. After that initial score the lads drove Luton back and after a number of phases of pick and go Paddy was finally able to power over under the posts for a well worked try which was converted by Alex.

The game then ebbed and flowed, but our dominance was there for all to see. Our backs were quick and able to make huge inroads into the Luton half, and apart from a few loose passes would have added to the scoreline.

Paddy then doubled up with a second try, after some great interplay between forwards and backs, with our ability to offload in the tackle being a hallmark of our play today.

Second half continued in the same vein as the first with strong platforms being set by the pack, and our third try (which was the best of the game) came as a result of such play. With the ball being released to the backs, Rohan played Luke into space and he unleashed the afterburners and scorched his way to the try line. With Alex converting his third of the game, it put us in an unassailable position.

Any attacks by Luton were being snuffed out quickly and effectively, and as they tired these became more infrequent.

All in all a very good performance for a side who haven’t played or trained for some time. This was a complete team performance with everyone playing their part to the fullest, and sets up strongly for what will be a huge battle against Tring this coming weekend..

There are still some areas to work on, such as the line out (and cleaning up the loose ball therein), and the number of knock ons we conceded, (especially when in good attacking positions.)

So back to training ahead of a spate of league games for which we need everyone to be on top form.

Even our myopic linesman (who wasn’t employed today) had a good game, spotting a kick from outside the 22 by Luton going straight into touch (a definite improvement)!!!

5 standout moments in the game in no particular order,

- Keegan bursting through the entire Luton pack and storming deep into their half

- Dom’s tackle on their one pacey player, tracked him back and nailed the tackle perfectly, followed by him taking down their giant second row

- Luton 2nd row forward being carried off the pitch in a chair lift by two of our forwards at the end of a maul

- Andrew’s flick pass of the ball when in the air, (and in touch!) to Luke to spark another attack

- Getting to the end of the game with our starting no.9 still playing and neither on his way to hospital, nor sidelined with a missing limb (a first for this season!!)