1st TEAM Match Report
Saturday 22nd September 2007
League Match
NORTHAMPTON OS 1st : 7pts V LUTTERWORTH 1st : 32pts
The tragic and untimely loss of Lutterworth RFC’s favourite son, Dave Turner, earlier in the week meant that even the playing of this fixture was in some doubt. Although the final decision was left to the players themselves, it was Victoria Turner’s immense bravery and steely determination in leading the team onto the field that proved to everyone that the right decision had been made. This was a favourite destination for Dave and Old Scouts support and hospitality made the day even more memorable.
The highlight of the game was undoubtedly the hat trick of tries run in by centre, Sam Perry, in his debut for the first XV, but Saturday was not about individual players. Passion and emotion were inevitably high but Lutterworth’s eighteen gave their supporters (probably as many as one hundred) a day to remember. Scouts played a fairly one dimensional pick and drive game, Lutterworth countered with some moments of inspired open running attacks as well as periods of unbreachable defence. Bobby Williams was on fire in the tackle and once again on form with the boot kicking two penalties and three conversions. The game was pretty much won during the first period at 22-0 however Old Scouts came back strongly after the break and Lutterworth did very well to not only resist but end up winning the half by 10-7 aided by a fine Phil Daffern interception and run in.
Scoring: 0-7; 0-10; 0-15; 0-22;7-22; 7-25; 7-32.
Team: Wilford Williamson Dillow
Evans Husthwaite
Conway Stannard Donovan
Bell Croucher
Stretton Williams Perry Daffern
Ford
Reps: Burgess Stevens Ellis
DAVE TURNER
Dave joined Lutterworth RFC thirty-two years ago at the age of eighteen. His talent for the game was spotted straight away and he immediately began a 1st XV playing career that spanned some twenty years and probably accounted for five hundred appearances, initially in the centre and ultimately graduating to his favourite position in the second row. After retiring from playing Dave embarked on his mission to put so much back into the game that he knew and loved. He coached the second team to new found levels of success and in 1999 moved on to become Club and First Team Coach. Dave gained promotion for The Club in 2002 to Midlands Three and narrowly failed to reach Midlands Two in 2005. Last year and this season he turned his attention to the under Thirteen squad as well as the Colts, both teams being represented by his two sons, Charlie and George. Dave’s dedication and passion for everything he did in life were gifted to The Club in huge measure. His leadership was legendary and there were many occasions when his half time speeches turned what looked like a lost cause to his team’s advantage. There is currently a black cloud hanging over Ashby Lane but we all know that this will eventually lift and we will remember with affection and pride our own ‘Top Man’.
SATURDAY 29th SEPTEMBER
Lutterworth host Stewarts and Lloyds at Ashby Lane, k.o. 3.00pm. As well as part of our usual league campaign this game will be dedicated to Dave. We hope to raise a considerable amount of money to go to Victoria’s chosen charities. Please be there!