1st TEAM Match Report
Saturday 2nd April 2005
LEAGUE: MIDLANDS 3 EAST (South)
LUTTERWORTH 1st XV: 33 LEYTON BUZZARD 1st XV: 13
The lone buzzard circling high over Ashby lane appeared to inspire ‘The Buzzards’ as they took the lead after only three minutes with a well executed try. However slowly but surely they were brought back down to earth by an injury depleted Lutterworth side that improved as the game progressed.
Tim Jeffs wrested the lead away from the visitors with two successful penalty attempts and soon afterwards scrum half, Gareth Court, sent winger, Lee Donovan, on a rapid penetrating run deep into the Buzzard’s twenty two, from the resulting ruck Alan Johnson took the ball over for Lutterworth’s first try. The home side scored again before the break with open side, Rob Sands carrying the ball from the back of the lineout, sucking in defenders and setting up the backs for a lovely passage of play that ended with full back, Charlie Roberson, touching down. Leighton Buzzard replied with a penalty and the first period ended at 16 to 8 leaving both sides with everything to play for.
Despite some early pressure during the second half, Lutterworth defended stoically, Sands and fellow back row Dennis Hall were soon again on the rampage and a turnover ball set up the backs once again with Winger, Jim Croucher scoring in the corner. Buzzard maintained their presence, in what was now an exciting contest, with a second try, but the fresh legs of Lutterworth replacements, Williams, Williamson and Wilson added to the advantage that the home side had already secured. Bobby Williams showed great vision to find himself acres of space for try number four and it was fitting that Rob Sands, capping a superb performance, took the ball over for the final and finest score of the game after he was set up from barnstorming run from a twenty two lineout by hooker, Paul Riley.
Next Saturday Lutterworth visit Northampton Old Scouts for a fixture that will possibly decide who finishes 2nd and 3rd in this league which has already been won by Towcester.