Winning run comes to an end at the hands of Ruislip
A late try and conversion from Tom Mahendran was not enough as Luton were overwhelmed by London based opponents Ruislip 31-14.
By Farhan Daw
The hosts welcomed back Tom Albone for his first competitive start since October and Chris Davies. There was also a recall for Craig South and Tom Mahendran who has been unavailable in recent weeks. Adam Harris and Sean Meddeman dropped to the bench as did Rik Hobbs, who injured his shoulder against Thurrock last week and will be out for the foreseeable future.
After a tightly fought first half the game exploded into life in the second half but it was Ruislip who would go on to take all four points.
Ruislip’s Connor Mullan’s opening penalty would provide a taster of his punting abilities as the fly half would complete a clean sweep of kicking attempts. Luton did well to hold out after a 31st minute yellow card for Stuart Tomkinson
Taking a 0-3 lead into the break, in the opening minute of the second half Ruislip caught Luton napping and Josh Herne would be quick to exploit his opportunity, scoring the game’s opening try. Mullan stepped up to take the conversion to make it 0-10.
Stepping in for the injured Hobbs, Mahendran’s long range penalty effort agonisingly struck the post. Nevertheless it gave Luton renewed belief. Three minutes later Chris Davies got his name on the score board, well teed up by Madiri. Mahendran would be tested from long range once again but this time the 24 year old brought Luton to within three points of level terms.
Tabo Madiri proved he has much more to offer than just lightning speed as the fullback made two valuable try saving tackles to deny Ruislip from extending their lead.
However, in the 62nd minute, Antonio Trofawas was unmarked after Ruislip had intelligently switched the ball from the right to left, leaving the full back clear to secure a try. A deflated Luton barely had time to regroup before Ruislip’s Joe Collins reacted quickest to a bobbling ball and showed tremendous pace and mobility to make it to the try line. Mullan would add the conversion to make the score 7-24.
Ruislip grabbed their final try in the 72nd minute courtesy of Ben Broderick. Mullan was there to put the icing on the cake.
In the final minute, Mahendran would scamper over for a try and take the conversion with the last kick of the game, but it was too little too late. The final score Luton 14- 31 Ruislip.
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