Luton's limitations cruelly exposed by Colchester

Missing key players through injury the home side, sporting pink socks in recognition of Cancer Awareness were without the guiding hand of Coach Paul Allen who was away with the second team in Towcester observing new recruitments.

Luton took the game to Colchester early on. Hooker Ben Murphy opened the scoring after 10 minutes, robustly powering his way through from a line out to the try line. Hobbs was unsuccessful with the conversion kick. Colchester number 8 James McRae levelled the match and David Higgins conversion kick soared in between the goal posts after 23 minutes. 5-7 Colchester.

Making the most of his limited opportunities winger Tesh Edwards skilfully ducked, dodged and with raw power scored a blistering try. Hobbs was unable to convert his kick. Hobbs had an opportunity to snatch a penalty for Luton but his long distance effort fell short and it proved to be the last kick of the first half.

Shortly into the second half, ex Luton winger David Brennan came back to sink his former side, linking up with his new team mates to score a well deserved try. Then Higgins added a penalty before Tom Albone, playing with a damaged hand scored one for the home side, making it 13-15. An aggressive Brennan came back for more, scoring a second try but Higgins again missed his conversion.

Mahmood returned to the field in place of try scorer Murphy who sustained a hamstring injury. In the 62nd minute, Colchester no.15 Brett Cutbush smashed through the Luton back line. However Higgins was unsuccessful in his conversion kick making the score 13-25.

Both teams made a flurry of substitutions as tiredness became a factor. Back row Will Temperley bagged Luton's third try following some great interchanging passes. Albone couldn't extend Luton's score, missing his conversion kick. Callum Irvine exposed Luton's frailties and capitalized with another try, number 10 Higgins followed up and scored his conversion. Colchester scored the game's 9th try through Damian Brambly who raced to the touch line. Higgins missed his conversion concluding the score 18-37.

Skills Coach Chris Parr said after the game “Colchester are very well organised and skilful, who will no doubt be fighting at the top. I think we need to concentrate on the positives, for 60minutes we were well in the game and it was very competitive. Unfortunately injuries and players getting tired the score line is totally different.”

“It’s still early and it’s a long season. We will get it right and we will come back stronger. The players know they are good enough, the new players have integrated well and there is a good atmosphere around the club”.

To see a gallery of match photos go to the Ian Nancollas Photography Flickr site

Match Reporter - Farhan Daw