Last play of the game sinks Luton

Luton lost their opening London North One League game on Saturday when hosts Eton Manor, who finished second in the league last season, kicked a penalty with the last kick of the match to win an entertaining and competitive game by a single point.

Despite playing some excellent attacking rugby Luton, who fielded a number of debutants, were eventually beaten by a well-organised home side who had the better of the loose play where the fitness of one or two of the Luton forwards fitness was found wanting. In such a close game the visitors made too many unforced errors and as a result despite playing some excellent attacking rugby, went away with only a losing bonus point to show for their efforts.

Both sides made a bright start and although Eton Manor shaded the early exchanges Luton’s defence held firm. Indeed they opened the scoring in the 8th minute when following a solid scrum and driving maul, Eton Manor were offside and stand-off Rick Hobbs kicked a penalty.

However, Eton Manor responded 10 minutes later when poor tackling allowed wing forward Kevin Reed to score the opening try. Centre Alex Hunter converted.

Two minutes later the home side went further ahead when Luton were off-side in front of their posts and Hunter kicked a penalty goal.

Shortly after Luton should have scored themselves when a good break out from defence enabled wing Dave Brennan to cross the line where he was adjudged not to have grounded the ball correctly. The next and final score of the half came when Eton Manor extended the their lead in the 37th minute when Luton were offside again and Hunter kicked his second goal to leave the home side ahead by 13 points to 3 at the break.

Luton started the second half brightly and in the 4th minute, following a good forward drive, hooker David Irvine forced his way over for an unconverted try.

However, following a period of even play, Eton Manor extended their lead to 16 points to 8 in the 22nd minute when Hunter kicked his third penalty goal.

However, Luton responded well and two minutes later, following a break by replacement scrum-half Tom Mahendren, centre Jake Hobbs scored a fine try under the posts that was converted by brother Rick.

Now only trailing by one point Luton were put under pressure but generally their defence stood up well to the task, albeit there were a few a anxious moments. However, to their credit they weathered the storm and now taking the attack to home side, in the 39th minute they won a penalty that Rick Hobbs kicked to put Luton into the lead.

However, unable to secure the resulting kick-off Luton were then penalised from the scrum that followed to enable Hunter to win the game with his 4th penalty with the last kick of the game to leave the final score 19 points to 18.

Director of Rugby, Paul Allen, will be disappointed by losing a game that could and should heave been won, because despite playing some excellent attacking rugby there were too many unforced errors, some at crucial times. Also, some players need to work harder on their fitness. Considerable improvement in these areas will be needed when Luton visit Letchworth next week.