Rugby Union
Lutterworth extend their winning run

Wellingborough 15 Lutterworth RFC 22

Midlands Two East (South)

LUTTERWORTH made it three wins in a row with a deserved success at Wellingborough on Saturday.

The visitor's forwards dominated possession in a furious first 15 minutes, winning all of the line-out ball and sending Wellingborough's scrum into reverse.

Prop Ed Hopkins scored Lutterworth's first try following a textbook catch and driving maul whilst Jack Edwards was soon following him over.

Eagerness then appeared to get the better of the visitors as Wellingborough were awarded two penalties in quick succession, the second of which narrowed the lead by three.

But pressure bore fruit from the kick-off when a penalty for intentional off-side led to a line-out being cleanly won and a Lutterworth scrum just five-yards from the try line.

With Wellingborough holding the push under immense pressure, number eight Josh Russell picked and ran at the defence, setting a ruck from which the ball moved fast through the back line, providing space and time for winger Jarrad Carter to score.

The second quarter of the game started in much the same fashion with Lutterworth taking scrum ball against the head but the home side were keeping ball when available and a fine passage of attacking play forced the visitors into a period of stubborn defence.

Twice full back Bradley Pell cleared and twice Lutterworth lock Adam Conway stole line-out ball but handling errors gave away possession and from an attacking scrum on Lutterworth’s ten-metre line, Wellingborough’s backs span left and then right providing the space to score and cut the gap to 15-8 at half time.

As the second half began a fine trio of dummies from Edwards gave Carter, Charlie Turner and Hopkins space to run into but territory gained was quickly lost by the concession of two penalties and a free kick.

Wellingborough took the opportunity to push forward and they got themselves back on level terms with a converted try after their fly half did well to dodge two tackles.

A pinpoint kick ahead was caught by Turner as Lutterworth looked to respond and they won a scrum close to the try line following a good ruck and Dan Linacre thought he had scored from it, only for the referee to disallow the score.

Just when it appeared it may not be Lutterworth's afternoon they slowly inched their way back towards the line and two further line-out catches resulted in a match winning try for man of the match Conway, converted by Edwards.

Regional sport »