First pre-season match of the new season

Luton took a trip to Derby to play their first pre-season friendly yesterday (Saturday 15th August). Derby play in Midlands 1 East, the division we should be playing in if we had not been, once again, Level Transferred to London 1 North. Last season, they finished 6th (to Luton's 10th) so this promised to be a good, competitive fixture, as it proved.

It was my first trip to Derby's ground at Haslams Lane and I was impressed by their Clubhouse, the quality of their pitches and the friendliness and warm welcome offered by our hosts. A most enjoyable afternoon was had by all. The weather started cloudy, but a wind picked up which prompted bright sunshine in the later stages. Sunshine, rugby, beer - what more could you ask for?

By agreement between the Head Coaches, the match was played in three 30 minute thirds. Derby put out their strongest team for the first session, followed by more of their second choice players in the second 30, before reverting to their strongest team in the final session. Regretfully, a series of late cry offs meant that Luton did not have this luxury. This was reflected in the scores with each session finishing 12-5, 0-12 and 12-0. Overall, Derby won 24-17 (4 tries to 3).

First blood went to Derby with a push-over try in the 5th minute; the conversion was missed. In the 18th minute, Luton got on the scoreboard thanks to a try by Luke Spellen (Tank); again the conversion was missed. With three minutes of the "half" to go, Derby scored another try, this time converted. Within a minute of the resumption, Luton scored another unconverted try. Regretfully, I was still in the bar organising some refreshment so if anyone wants to let me know who scored, I will update this report. Just one more score came in the second "half" with Aiden Kenny picking a cracking running line to dot down. Rick Hobbs added the extras and Luton were in the lead for the first time in the match. Unfortunately we could not maintain this in the final session as Derby wheeled out their first choice players and scored two unanswered tries (one converted). A third outbreak of handbags meant the referee had enough and the game was brought to a slightly premature end. In fairness, he did warn the players after the second incident, so no complaints.

Pre-season games are always about getting the players competitive game-time rather than the score-line so we should not be too disappointed by the result. A lot of positives can be taken from this match, not least the close result. We were unfortunate to lose 4 or 5 players at late notice and perhaps they would have made a difference. Hopefully the couple of knocks we picked up (Westy dead leg and Joe Healy neck) will not prove to be too serious.

We have lost more than our fair share of players in the off-season so it was great to see the return of some familiar faces and the step up taken by some of our ex Colts. This is a team that has hit the ground running, with some good rugby on display and a great team spirit in evidence.

Next Saturday (22nd August) we welcome Tonbridge Juddians 1st and 2nd Teams to Newlands Road so a cracking afternoon is promised. Come along and support the boys!