Luton rugby men see off Ipswich

An impressive performance from Timothy Hopkins and Carlton Littlewood was not enough to topple a commanding Luton side who end a run of four consecutive defeats.

Tries from Jonny Wright, Jack Elston, Chris Davies, Rick Hobbs and a double from Tom Mahendran sealed all four points, plus a bonus.

Ipswich started brightly and a tidy exchange between Littlewood and Christopher Kolapo-Ajala set up James Wilson for the opening try. Full-back Alan Baker stepped up to put Ipswich 7-0 ahead.

The lead would not last long as 10 minutes later, Logan Wendt’s menacing run found the welcoming arms of Mahandran who ducked for the try line. Hobbs converted to put Luton level.

Alan Baker saw his penalty drift wide but Littlewood ‘s slick footwork left the Luton defence in his dust to make the score 12-7 to Ipswich before Baker extended the lead in the 17th minute.

Chris Davies replied six minutes later but Hobbs’ conversion would fall short. He then struck a superbly hit penalty to drag Luton back to 15-14 going into half time.

The home side were much sharper in the second half and extended their lead when Jonny Wright powered through.

Mahandran grabbed his double 10minutes later with a surging run down the Ipswich right flank as Hobbs successfully kicked two from two.

Ipswich would not lay down easily for Luton as Timothy Hopkins would secure a brace in a six minute period.

Baker would go on to strike one out of two successful conversions leaving the score 36-26. In the 74th minute Jack Elston intercepted a loose pass to seal it. Littlewood went onto score a consolation try.

Luton visit Romford & Gidea Park on Saturday.