1st TEAM Match Report
SATURDAY 15th NOVEMBER 2003
POWERGEN INTERMEDIATE CUP, ROUND THREE
LUTTERWORTH 1st XV: 23 NUNEATON OLD EDWARDIANS 1st XV: 28
Lutterworth were without several key first team players for their second cup foray into League Two rugby because of an increasing injury list. However this was an outstanding performance by the home side who were narrowly defeated by one score in the dying seconds of this highly exciting game.
Lutterworth came out strongly and despite missing an early penalty attempt went ahead after seven minutes with a Pete Wilson try converted by Tim Jeffs. For the next twenty minutes Nuneaton massed wave upon wave of attacks that were successfully and stoutly defended but inevitably the home side conceded a penalty and a try. Lutterworth slotted a penalty just before the break to win the first half by 10 points to 8.
Old Ed’s took the second period initiative with two early tries and one conversion but Lutterworth replied with a beautifully crafted three quarter move allowing winger Phil Daffern to dive over in the corner. Minutes later Jim Croucher chipped a perfectly weighted kick downfield which was taken over by Pete Wilson. The closing moments of the game saw high drama as Old Eds went into the lead with a penalty only to be matched by Lutterworth almost at full time. With the score at 23 points each extra time seemed inevitable, however a lapse of concentration in the dying seconds let Nuneaton in for a soft try that gave them a narrow victory.
Coach, Dave Turner congratulated all players for their commitment and discipline and picked out flanker Rob Sands as well as youngsters Pete Wilson and Matt Soulsby for outstanding performances against a very experienced and physical opposition.