Opening day joy for Luton Town HC

After a remarkable double save from Town keeper Tom Dobson, who had been about to retire at the end of last season, Gary Newman set up Graham Bright to open the scoring.

Dobson continued his fine display in the second period, and even though Tom Kavanagh was yellow carded, Bright’s second ensured victory.

This weekend, Luton host Chelmsford.

Luton Town Ladies opened their Five Counties Women’s Hockey League Premier Division campaign with a 1-0 win at West Herts.

A much-changed side from last season saw debuts for two 13-year-olds, goalkeeper Amber Lewsey and midfielder Jordan Homann.

Lewsey made a crucial save to ensure the scores were goalless at half time.

In the second period, the only goal arrived after brilliant work from Charlotte Dunham and Becky Clark enabled captain Ella Dagnall to produce a deadly finish. The goal though only served to spur West Herts on in their search for an equaliser, which left Luton under a long spell of pressure. However, resolute team defending repelled the home team, with Christine Homann and Hayley Huckle outstanding throughout.

For a full report on the club’s other sides, see the News/Gazette on sale now.