Luton continue hot streak with bonus-point victory at Beaconsfield

Beaconsfield 17 Luton 29

Luton Rugby triumphed 29-17 at Beaconsfield to keep their fine recent form going in the London One North on Saturday, writes Stephen Richards.

Rik Hobbs opened the scoring with a penalty after nine minutes and Andre Paku scored Luton’s first try on 15 minutes, pouncing on a loose ball to race through down the right, with Hobbs converting.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Steven Ellis increased the lead with a try on 24 minutes, after receiving a pass from Tom Mahendran and Hobbs converted again to put Luton in control with a 17-0 lead.

However, Beaconsfield opened their account on 29 minutes when a long kick up field was misjudged by Tesh Edwards, allowing the hosts to capitalise with a try.

Johnny Hughes scored it with Paul Tendell converting to reduce the deficit to 17-7.

Tendell then added a penalty to complete the first-half scoring on 37 minutes as Luton led 17-10 at the break.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Freezing weather conditions took their toll on the game in the opening stages of the second-half.

With the score evenly poised, the next try was seemingly vital and fortunately for Luton they scored it through Wayne Kelly on 57 minutes.

Another charging run from the impressive Ellis created the chance, with Aiden Kenny converting a few minutes after coming on.

Michael Weston scored Luton’s fourth try to effectively seal the win, securing the bonus point in the process.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Weston rounded off a fine passing move involving Will Affleck and Mahendran, although Kenny missed the conversion as Luton led 29-10.

Beaconsfield responded with a try late on through Callum Wilkinson and Tendell converted, but it was too little, too late.

Director of rugby Paul Allen added: “To win away from home with a bonus point is a good achievement.

“We were collectively strong at times, Mahendran and Wouter Heijmans had great games and Steven Ellis gave a fine captain’s performance.”

Luton: Pacey, Irvine, Blinkhorn, Nelly, Heijmans, Kay, Harris, Weston, Mahendran, Affleck, Edwards, Ellis, Kelly, Hobbs, Paku. Replacements: Long, Sheppard, Kenny.

Related topics: