Revenge is sweet as débutante Doyle sees Luton home

The visitors have achieved five consecutive promotions in six years and won the previous fixture 41-22 but a late resurgence secured an exceptional win for Paul Allen’s side.

The Old Priorians were quick to stamp their authority on the game, scoring a try through fullback Seb Oddi. No.20 James Booth had the responsibility of taking the Twisters conversions but sent his strike wide of the mark. (0-5)

Not long after, Luton had a penalty but Hobbs’ sent his effort astray. The home side would pay dearly for their failure to take advantage as the referee signalled for an Old Priorians penalty. Booth slotted home to make the score 0-8. At the stroke of half time, Luton were given a lifeline as Hobbs successfully tucked away a penalty sending the teams into the break Luton 3-8 Old Priorians.

The second half began similar to the first. Luton’s Tom Mahendran spilled the ball which led to a counter attack. Booth seized the opportunity and despite missing the conversion appeared to have knocked Luton out of contention.

However, within minutes Tesh Edwards had brought Luton back into the game. Using his incredible acceleration the 27 year old crossed for Luton’s first try of the afternoon. Hobbs was unable to add the extras, sending his conversion wide. (8-13)

In the 54th minute, new boy Ryan Doyle brought the home side level with a courageous try as Luton clawed their way back from. However Hobbs continued his wayward kicking, keeping the scores at 13-13, setting up a nail biting conclusion.

With belief restored, the home side were on the front foot continuously targeting the wings in an attempt to use the pace of Maderi, Edwards and Wright and in the 77th minute Luton completed their amazing comeback.

Doyle grabbed his second try of the afternoon, intelligently losing his marker and diving over the line to edge Luton into the lead for the first time. At 18-13, it was up to Hobbs to ensure the game would be out of the Twisters’ reach and the fly half would successfully follow up. Luton stayed strong for the final few minutes until the referee called for full time. Luton 20 – 13 Old Priorians.

Luton extend their unbeaten run to three consecutive games and will be hoping to take their form into Saturday’s East Midlands Cup game against Huntington.

Match Reporter
Farhan Daw