Six try Luton too strong for Romford

In a match that was full of aggression and temperament, Luton demonstrated their ability to play attacking rugby by scoring six tries. The win in Essex ensured Luton remain within touching distance of Eton Manor and Westcliff, with the latter visiting Newlands Road on Saturday.

The match started with neither side gaining control over the other, with a number of errors preventing both sides fluent attacking ball. The first real piece of action arrived on 13 minutes when Romford’s Tom Cameron was yellow carded after the home side were constantly infringing Luton ball. With the ball in the Romford 22, Luton capitalised on their territory and man advantage.

Luton fly-half Rik Hobbs received a pass from scrum-half Robbie Smith on Romford’s 22 line. R Hobbs took the ball into a Romford tackle before offloading a stunning basketball style pass out of the back of his hand to his brother Jake Hobbs. With defenders sucked in to Rik Hobbs, Jake was able to sprint through and score to the right of the posts.

With Cameron back on the field for Romford, it only took two more minutes before another scuffle broke out. This time it was Romford’s Ricky Howard who started it with a very dangerous high tackle on Luton wing Chris Davies. Howard then deservedly saw red for the dangerous play and Luton had a man advantage for the rest of the match, despite only 24 minutes played.

Luton sensed Romford would struggle physically if the match was played at a high tempo, one that proved correct on 28 and 34 minutes. First a strong run from Mike Weston from 30 metres out was enough for the back-row forward to score to the right of the posts. The try coming from a loose kick from Romford’s full-back Ross Inwood and Weston was able to show his pace to score Luton’s second try.

Jake Hobbs looked dangerous throughout the match, constantly looking to break tackles and use his pace to beat Romford’s on-rushing defence. The centre’s second try was scored after 34 minutes through a lovely backs move. Strong hands from Mahendran and Wilmore enabled Hobbs to be well-placed to roll over and just about ground the ball over the line in the right corner. Talanoa was unable to convert his third conversion from a difficult touchline kick in a strong cross-field wind and Luton’s lead was 0-19 at half time.

It was clear Romford were trying to slow the match down as they were unable to withstand Luton’s attacks when the match was played at a high tempo, especially with playing with a man light. Luton knew a bonus point was essential in their quest for promotion and their fourth try arrived on 44 minutes.

Robbie Smith took a Luton penalty quickly and with Romford’s defence not back the full ten metres; the kiwi was allowed to become one on one with the hosts’ full back. With plenty of space behind the on-rushing defender, Smith kicked the ball into the 22. It then become a simple leg race between Wilmore and Romford’s Barfoot. Wilmore was able to out-pace his opposite number and ground the ball under the post. Luton now lead 0-26 with over thirty minutes left, their bonus point was secured and it looked like the match was won.

Luton went on to score more points through two more tries. A superb move on 56 minutes was Luton’s try of the match. Starting with Jake Hobbs in his own 22, the centre beat two defenders before passing to Weston. Weston was able to palm off defenders before passing to full-back Mahendran. The visitors’ full back was able to showcase his speed to score under the posts and Luton lead 0-33.

Weston wanted his second try and on 67 minutes it dually arrived. The back row player, who can also play on the wing, was able to palm off two players before making a strong run down the left wing to score in the corner. Talanoa couldn’t convert, but the match was won and Luton secured an important 0-38 victory.

Promotion is still very much possible for Luton, but they need to win their remaining three matches and hope other results go their way. Second placed Westcliff are Luton’s next fixture in London One North, and a win for the East Midlands Cup finalists will close the gap with themselves and those in the top two.

Romford 1 to 15: Tyler Lawrence, Micky James (c), Matthew Worral-Claire (Max Irwin 40), Matt Catchpole, Sam Cook, Charlie Wilkinson (Ian Semain 35), Paul Bradley, Ricky Howard; Tom Cameron, Bradley Norman, Joe Howard, Mitchell Smith, Steve Barfoot (Mithcell Smith 52), Vytaras Bloskys, Ross Inwood.

Luton: Sam Pacey, Ben Murphy, Marc Tindall (Dwayne Duffy 59), Craig South, Karl Rodell (Adam Harris 40), Tom Albone , Mike Weston, Jack Elston (c); Robbie Smith, Rik Hobbs, Chris Davies (Ryan Staff 40), Jake Hobbs, Chris Talanoa, Tom Wilmore, Tom Mahendran.
Luton points:
Tries – J Hobbs 2, M Weston 2, T Wilmore, T Mahendran
Convo – Talanoa 4

Referee – Mark Dickens
Touchjudges – Jerry Hanafin and Keith Bromage

Man of the match: Jake Hobbs; continued his try-scoring form with two tries and started a number of attacks with strong running.