1st TEAM Match Report
SATURDAY 17th JANUARY 2004
LEAGUE: MIDLANDS 3 EAST (South)
RUSHDEN & HIGHAM 1st XV: 0 V LUTTERWORTH 1st XV: 40
Lutterworth maintained their challenge in the top three of the league with this comprehensive victory against bottom of the league strugglers, Rushden and Higham.
The visitors, undeterred by the wet and slippery conditions, were determined to play attractive flowing rugby. The Lutterworth forwards, now back to full strength after recent injuries, supplied the power base that allowed the backs to create many scoring chances. However after ten minutes of fine attacking play, it was number 8, Dennis Hall, who posted first points, going over from the back of a driving maul. Tim Jeffs slotted the conversion to give the visitors a 7 point lead. After 20 minutes, fly half Jim Croucher touched down under the posts, again converted by Jeffs who shortly afterwards took the ball over himself after Hall and hooker, Paul Riley, blasted great gaps through the Rushden defence. Skipper Hall added to his tally scoring from a lineout catch and drive. Full back, Charlie Roberson, finished the first half in great style with a long strong run for try number 5.
After the break Lutterworth, partly due to some stout defence and brave tackling from Rushden and despite having ninety per cent of the possession, failed to deliver the try scoring spree that looked on the cards. Centre, Tim Jeffs did score a second try, converted by Croucher and the visitors were able to keep a clean sheet for the first time this season. This was a fine all round performance by everyone of the 18 man Lutterworth squad, but special mention is due for veteran second row, Ian Johnson, who was inspirational and Adam Conway who had a massive game at number 6.