Lutts Colts miss out in classic.

utterworth Colts entertained a strong Melton Mowbray in one of the most exciting matches of the season, before the visitors finally ran out 18-15 winners.

Both sides swapped penalties early on with Melton’s Dave Weston having his kick cancelled out by Lutterworth’s Robin Eager. But his wasn’t long before the big Melton pack took control as they won line out ball before driving over the line, as hooker Marcus Badham was able to touch down from the back of the pack. Weston was successful with the kick. It was at this point that the visitors could have run away with the game but some spirited defending kept them at bay. Lutts came back into the game at the close of the half winning a series of 3 penalty kicks, with Eager converting the 3^rd to make it 6-10 at the whistle for half time.

Sensing that Melton’s indiscipline might give them a look in, Lutterworth started the stronger and Eager kicked the inevitable penalty to get within a point. A lovely run by James Lloyd was then taken on by Richard Bailey before the ball was passed out for Eager to kick a lovely drop goal, and give Lutts the lead. Melton then marched straight back and reclaimed the lead through a Weston penalty kick, before Eager once again restored the home side’s advantage with another successful penalty kick. Melton then had a 10 minute spell were they were camped in the Lutts half, only to be kept out by some brilliant tackling. But this pressure finally paid off as one again the Melton pack drove over their captain Badham, for his second score. The kick was missed leaving the door open and Lutts nearly sneaked it in the last minute as a last attack was slowed down by the Melton defence. Lutts were awarded a penalty, which if kicked would have given them the draw, but this brave home side sensed a win and went for a quick tap, but Melton held them out make the final score 18-15 to the visitors.

Head Coach Dave Johnson said “We showed some great spirit after falling behind early on and I was so proud of how well we defended, to keep us in the game. Melton had a majority of the possession but our commitment kept us close and we nearly nicked it at the end. But what a fantastic advert for colts rugby, well done to both sides”.

Lutterworth Colts welcome Tamworth RFC to Ashby Lane next Saturday for a friendly fixture (kick off 2.15 PM).

15-18

LUTTS: Penalty – Eager (4)

Drop Kick – Eager (1)

MELTON MOWBRAY: Try – Badham (2)

Conversion – Weston (1), Penalty – Weston (2)