Luton Rugby fight back to down Basildon

Basildon 15 Luton Rugby 17

Luton overturned a half-time 10-0 deficit to beat Basildon and claim their fourth win in five London North matches, despite an unconvincing performance, writes Stephen Richards.

Two tries in three second-half minutes, one a penalty try and the other from Will Affleck swung the match in Luton’s favour, although Basildon were denied a draw only by a missed penalty from the last kick.

Basildon were completely dominant in the first-half but struggled to break through the Luton defensive line early on.

That was until Daniel Dieu-De-Bellefontaine rounded off a fine passing move down the left side to break the deadlock with a try on 27 minutes, with the conversion missed by Bradley Johnson.

Basildon increased their advantage a minute before the break through a try from Luke Crowhurst, Johnson missed once again to leave Luton lucky to be only 10 points behind at half-time.

The visitors fought back early in the second half to turn the match around though. First a penalty try was awarded after Steven Ellis was denied a scoring opportunity and Rik Hobbs converted to cut the gap to just 10-7.

Then Affleck raced through to complete a quick attacking move to put Luton ahead on 52 minutes, Hobbs adding the extras to move Luton 14-10 in front.

Basildon look stunned and couldn’t force the sort of territorial pressure they managed in the first half to give themselves a fighting chance of getting back in the game.

Steven Ellis missed a penalty for Luton on 71 minutes but Affleck’s drop goal shortly afterwards extended the visitors lead to 17-10.

The hosts, just a try away from potentially drawing level, knew the game was still within reach and Johnson went over, but for the third time, failed to kick the conversion.

Director of rugby Paul Allen said: “Strong words at half time around sticking to the game plan of territory and intensity in play seemed to work and we used our impressive back line and scored two great team tries.

“Without doubt these away trips are all going to be tough as we deal with experienced teams that play in a certain style. We need to soak up their pressure and wait for the chance to use our impressive team play and high intensity game.

“Next week Chingford will test us to the full as they bring another physical challenge to Newlands Road. A big crowd and our lads focusing on their game will lead to an exciting match.”

Luton: Pacey, Irvine, Blinkhorn, Elston, Heijmans, Harris, Weston, Kay, Mahendran, Affleck, Hobbs, Ellis, Kelly, Edwards, Paku.

Replacements: Long, Sheppard, Fleckney.

Basildon: Sterens, Baker, Partridge, Harman, Creasey, Crowhurst, Green, Chandler, White, Meadows, Powell, Dieu-De-Bellefontaine, Baker, Johnson, Howard.

Replacements: Hamm, Hickey, Bennett.

Star man: Will Affleck. Pulled the strings whenever Luton looked dangerous.