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2nd TEAM   Match Report

Sunday 4th December 2005

Clonmell Cup - 1st Round

Lutterworth  2nd XV: 15pts  v  Old Laurentians  2nd XV: 10pts

Lutterworth welcomed Old Laurentians to their ground on Sunday afternoon for a knock out round of the Clonmell Cup.  The conditions were perfect and the spectators ready for an afternoon of great rugby.

Lutts got off to a great start and were able to run back hard at the OL’s defence.  The ball was  recycled well as the Lutts pack were soon able to get the slight edge in the ruck and maul although OL’s were able to get in the fringes from time to time.  The first half was hard fought, and the line out well contested and Lutts were able to disrupt a lot of OL’s throw ins.  The first twenty minutes were knock for knock until OL’s were awarded a penalty close to the post which they converted.  Ten minutes later they had another chance at goal but this time the ball went wide of the post.  Lutts won the ball from a line out and used a well worked manoeuvre to roll the ball twenty metres up field ball releasing the backs to try and break the defence.   Just before half time Lutts got the break they needed, they were awarded a penalty which was converted by Ivan Bills.

The second half there was all to play for.  Lutts made a couple of substitutions that seemed to turn up the pace of the game a little.   OL’s were awarded a penalty in the Lutts half for coming in at the side and the home side were caught napping, the OL’s backs were able to run in a try under the post with little resistance.  This was converted. However Lutts were not beaten yet and they wanted to be in the next round of the cup.  They came back at OL’s winning their own kick off and recycling the ball.  Lutts were eventually awarded a penalty deep in the twenty two.  Quick thinking Jezz Bell took the penalty and drew the defence before off loading a well time pass to Williams who drew the winger before passing to Dan Sheasby to score in the corner.  The conversion was missed.

Lutts were now definitely back in the game and the spectators on the sideline were now getting quite vocal.  Lutts made an alteration to the pack and then the scrum started to push OL’s around with a little more dominance than before, allowing the No8 to pick and go from the base.  This proved crucial as Lutts were able to dominate a majority of the set piece and eventually when the ball was taken deep into the twenty two, again some quick thinking and excellent passing almost took the ball over the line.  Lutts rucked hard and allowed the ball to be brought in field and then constant pressure around the fringes took Lutts to within inches of the line.  The Lutts pack regrouped and then Alan Johnson picked the ball from the back of the ruck and dropped over the line.  Ivan Bills converted the try.

Final score Lutterworth 15 – Old Larentians 10.