Midlands 2 East (S): Market Harborough 29 - 30 Luton

Trailing by six, Luton were awarded a penalty try which R Hobbs converted with the last kick of the game.

Although Luton got off to a good start it was the hosts who dominated the first half running in three tries.

In a tight second period MH looked to have toppled the table toppers with a fourth but Luton scored 14 points in the last 5 mins to snatch an unlikely win.

So Luton go into a rest week clear at the top of M2ES. But for most of the game the men from Newlands looked to be heading for their first defeat of the season.

With a below full strength side taking to the field Luton had to call on all of their reserves both physical and mental.

And it was stand-in hooker Murphy, playing his first game of the season, who came up with the ball as Luton drove over the line to score the first try after 5 mins. R Hobbs in another fine kicking performance added the extras.

But MH came back strongly. Three well worked tries saw them take a well earned lead with only the boot of Hobbs adding two penalties keeping Luton in touch at the break 19-13.

Alston's men piled on the pressure in the second half. However a combination of good MH defence, injury to centre Jake Hobbs and a yellow card for forward Yang saw Luton's efforts go unrewarded.

Going into the last 10 mins Hobbs added his third penalty. But straight from the restart MH looked to have won the game with their fourth try.

With 5 mins left on the clock Luton finally got over the line. Good work by winger Davies gave centre Chant a clear run to the line. A Hobbs conversion brought the visitors back to within 3.

A late MH penalty looked to have restored MHs winning advantage before the decisive last minute drama saw Luton triumphant by the slenderest margin.

Luton head coach Paul Alston said: "After a good start we allowed Harborough back into the game through our own mistakes but after continual pressure we got the ref on our side through good scrummaging and we were awarded a penalty try to win."

Match Reporter
Ian Nancollas