Midlands 2 East (S): Luton 28 - 18 Belgrave

Luton gave their home fans something to cheer with a second successive win in Midlands 2 East (South).

In a tight and keenly fought game both sides showed that they will be in contention for honours this season but the home side's superb defence saw them hold out for the four points.

Belgrave started strongly but Luton came back to hold a narrow lead at the break. The hosts asserted themselves in the second half but never shock off a determined opposition.

First team manager Steve 'Taffy' Evans said: "The work the team is putting into training under the guidance of coaches Paul Alston and Nick Rhodes is translating into passionate and spirited performances on the pitch. It's really good to see the lads of Luton enjoying their rugby again."

The side from Leicester were quickest out of the blocks and registered a well worked try for their left wing.

Trailing 0-5 Luton knew they had a game on their hands and rose to the challenge. Asserting themselves through the forwards and capably marshalled by flyhalf Hobbs the Newlands side came back strongly.

First Hobbs slotted a penalty into a strong head wind. Then the Leicester side saw yellow and were reduced to fourteen. Sensing their advantage Luton piled on the pressure.

From a lineout close to line Hobbs who sent through a beautifully weighted grubber kick which centre Kenny collected before going into and then under the posts. Hobbs added the conversion and Luton led 10 points to five.

Sadly prop Garner had to leave the field early with a broken wrist.

At the end of the half the sides exchanged penalties so the score at the break was Luton 13 - 8 Belgrave.

With the slope and the breeze now at their backs Luton got off to the perfect start. Taking advantage of the conditions and with the words of coach Alston - to kick at goal - ringing in his ears, Hobbs slotted a long range penalty.

Luton then went down to fourteen with replacement Allen sent to the bin for a high tackle. However Luton held firm. With some brave tackling and great home defence the visitors could only manage to add a penalty before Allen returned to the field.

Back at full strength Luton took control of the game in the last 20 minutes. Kicking to the corners, Hobbs forced Belgrave back. From a resulting line out and rolling maul the pack crashed over the line with flank forward Staff coming up with the ball. Hobbs completed a man of the match performance by adding a difficult conversion. Luton now lead 23 - 11.

With time running out Belgrave ran the ball from deep, but from a Shepherd turn over and a strong charge from number 8 Allen, fullback Hamm went over in the corner.

There was just enough time for the visitors to get a consolation try before the final referee's whistle. So a great team performance saw Luton hang on to win 28-18.

Alston's men can now enjoy a week off, third in the table, before travelling north to Vipers in a fortnight.

Match Reporter
Ian Nancollas