Midlands 2 East (S): Stamford 5 - 22 Luton

Relegation to Midlands 2 East (South) division meant travelling north for the first time in several years. But although Luton were far from their best on a wet afternoon they still had more than enough to beat their South Lincolnshire opponents.

The Newlands side fielded some new faces amongst a team of seasoned campaigners. And it was clear from the pre kick off huddle that the team were ready for action.

Luton dominated the first half, but a combination of difficult handling conditions and poor decision making meant the teams went into the break with the home team still very much in contention.

Luton opened the scoring with a simple penalty for flyhalf Hobbs. Their lead was extended when srumhalf Chant seized on to a loose ball and kicked on. He easily beat the cover defence to touch down. Hobbs added the conversion and Luton were 10 points clear.

Then lack of discipline saw several scoring opportunities squandered but worse was to follow. A rare Stamford attack saw them win a line out close to the Luton line. A simple catch and drive saw the hosts back in the game at halftime with the score 5-10 in favour of Luton.

Luton rallied in the second half and although they could not run riot they subdued the Stamford threat. Two further scores produced a score line that reflected their superiority.

Using their forwards to good effect as the conditions dictated, Luton pressured the Stamford line from scrums and line outs. However they found it hard to maintain pressure as they fell foul of the referee's whistle at key moments. However, good composure brought tries for hard working forwards Garner and O'Neill and a touch line conversion from Hobbs.

A last minute surge could have brought a fourth try bonus point but Dalo-Lami lost the ball as he wrestled to ground it.

So the Green and Reds had to settle for a final 5-22 score line, but after last season it was it will be a great confidence boost to get that first win.

Match Reporter
Ian Nancollas