Stockwood close in on leaders St Neots as Luton are defeated

In front of a large crowd, Park were soon on the attack, taking the lead after just five minutes when fly-half Angus Buckman, who had a fine game, opened the scoring with a well-worked team try, man of the match Nick Dundee, returning to the side after injury, converting.

St Ives came straight back to level before Dundee barged his way to score, adding the extras as well.

The visitors restored parity yet again, but on the stroke of half-time, Buckman sprinted clear for his second try, Dundee’s boot making it 21-14.

In the second period, Park applied the pressure with a number of chances created, before left wing Kyran Ryan touched down after a skilful kick through by Alfie Daly.

Excellent work by Stockwood’s back row of Dan Loft, Reece Sweeney and Kieran Taylor saw Taylor go over with Dundee adding the extras to make it 33-14.

St Ives were not finished and added two more tries of their own, but Park held firm, closing the gap on their opponents to one point, with a game in hand.

» Luton Rugby Club were beaten 40-29 by Hitchin IIs in their Counties Two Herts London & SE Division clash on Saturday.

In a game that fluctuated throughout, the hosts produced several periods of strong pressure deep in their opponents’ 22, but could not translate enough of them into tries.

A number of early injuries disturbed the flow of Luton’s game, as several missed tackles allowed Hitchin to come out on top.

Luton U16s almost staged an incredible comeback in their 36-33 defeat against Northampton Casuals

Fresh from a week on tour in Portugal, the youngsters started brightly, Isaac immediately putting pressure on the opposition.

Jack OB was prominent in the opening exchanges, carrying strongly, while Danny, making a welcome return after injury, was quickly involved.

Aeron, Finn and Harrison B also put in some important defensive work, but three converted tries saw the hosts race into a 21-0 lead.

Luton refused to let their heads drop. Isaac, Mason and Jacob helped build attacking momentum before Jacob released Jack OB, who powered through to score.

Ben added the conversion to make it 21-7, but Casuals hit back to extend their lead to 26-7.

The second period saw a completely different Luton side, William beating three defenders, while Cody, Aeron and Mason worked tirelessly around the breakdown.

Trailing 36-7 now, they were far from finished, Jack OB showing great strength to notch his second try, as William also went over following a fine run, Ben converting both to make it 36-21.

Luton continued to pile on the pressure, and another superb attacking move resulted in William touching down, Ben’s boot adding the extras.

With time running out, Finn made a powerful break before Ben and Jacob combined to release William, who weaved through the defence to complete his hat-trick.

Sadly, Ben’s final conversion struck the post, as Luton fell just short, man of the match going to Jack OB for two outstanding tries and some powerful ball carries in a superb all-round performance.

» Dunstablians weren’t in action at the weekend as they travel to Bugbrooke IIs on Saturday.