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Under 17 Match Report

Sunday 20th January 2008

League Game

Lutterworth 20pts v Vipers 3pts

It was the “Battle of the Heavyweights” down at Ashby Lane on Sunday as the top two sides met in a virtual under 17 League decider. Lutts backed up their stunning defence and forward play, with a couple of great tries to eventually run out 20-3 winners.

Lutterworth had the better of the first half and opened up an early 6-0 lead with two well taken penalty kicks from Luke Ball, after great driving by the home side’s forward pack. Lutts had a further couple of opportunities to score before scrum half Sam Williamson made a lovely darting run forward. He was stopped short of the line but not before passing the ball to Joe Sullivan who used all his strength to force his way over the line, for his 7^th try of the season. Ball successfully kicked the conversion, to give Lutts a 13-0 half time lead.

Lutts came out with the wind in their faces and once again strong defence kept Vipers out. In fact the visitors were restricted to a penalty kick which Jordan Sykes dually converted, to get Vipers within 10 points. As if stung by that, Lutts stepped up their game again to look for that next score which would kill off the game. It eventually came when a great run by Will Keeling saw him make good ground before moving the ball onto Connor Smith. He stepped past three defenders to finish off a lovely score under the posts, for his 14^th try of season. Ball completed a perfect kicking display as he converted to make it four kicks from 4 and made the final score Lutterworth 20, Vipers 3.

Head Coach Chris Everard said “A fantastic battle between two very powerful sides, the referee needed eyes in the back of his head and he coped really well! Our defence was awesome with the boys determined to stop Vipers crossing that line. And it was a lovely gesture after the game when the whole Vipers squad and coaching team came in to our changing room to congratulate Lutts and present them some champagne! Well played both sides for a great game and thank you to Vipers”

That result helped Lutterworth maintain their unbeaten run in this season and re-take top spot in the League (Please see results and league position below). Lutts play two more games this coming week against Oadby Wyggs (Thursday at Oval Park – 6.15PM kick off) and Coalville (Sunday at home – kick off 11.00AM). A win on Thursday will see Lutterworth officially crowned as Leicestershire under 17’s League Champions.