1st TEAM Match Report
SATURDAY 18th OCTOBER 2003
POWERGEN INTERMEDIATE CUP, ROUND TWO
LUTTERWORTH 1st XV: 24 SYSTON 1ST XV: 20
This game was billed as a true test of Lutterworth’s recent unbeaten run of form. The Lutterworth collective memory had no recollection of beating Syston in recent history and as an established ‘Midlands 2’ side the team from Queniborough were clear favourites over ‘Midlands 3’ Lutterworth.
Syston were keen to demonstrate their superiority on paper by way of a converted try after only two minutes of play, for the next twenty minutes it was pretty much stalemate but with increasing evidence, once again, of the dominance of the home side’s front eight. The Syston pack was continually finding itself going backward under the onslaught of Lutterworth’s powerhouse and as the cracks began to open up skipper Dennis Hall scored first by peeling off the back of the scrum and again from a lineout catch and drive. Fly half Jim Croucher converted both tries. Syston replied with one penalty and the half time score was 14 to 10.
Lutterworth’s Andrew Hall is having a terrific season at scrum half and good linking by him allowed full back Dave Simpkin to set off on defence breaking forty yard sprint to set up winger Phil Daffern to dive over in the corner and open the second period scoring. Shortly afterwards a Lutterworth scrum powered the opposition back over their line and number 8, Hall was there again to touch down for his fourth hat trick of the season. Syston replied late in the game with two unconverted tries. The final score of 24 to 20 was, on the passage of play and possession, flattering to the visitors.
Lutterworth were without four of their regular first team squad, mention must be made of their replacements who all played outstandingly well; twenty one year old flanker, Joe Wilson was just pipped for man of the match by prop, Paul Wilford. Hooker, Alan Johnson, lock, Martin Pole and back row, Mark Ellis were all just what the doctor ordered. Lutterworth’s superb performance was further enhanced by their appearance in a new set of shirts kindly donated by local firm ‘George’s Taxis’!