United vs Luctonians 2nds (home) 18th March 2017

Drybrook United 19pts
Luctonians 2nds 38pts

Drybrook were undone by a more disciplined and organised visiting team who exploited the three yellow cards the home side received to the full.
Drybrook felt aggrieved by a lot of the referee’s decisions but spent too much time focusing on this instead of getting on with the job in hand and consequently their performance suffered as a result.
The opening 10 minutes were very even but then a telegraphed pass from skipper Andy Milner was intercepted and Luctonians ran in for an easy score under the posts.
A few minutes later the visitors ran a quick tap penalty and some lovely handling and support play brought a second try.
Second row Jon Pritchard got Drybrook going forward with a strong run and a bit more pressure brought a penalty chance for Milner but his kick drifted wide.
Drybrook then lost Jim Rugman to the sin bin and Luctonians scored a try in the corner to lead by 19pts – nil.
Towards the end of the half Drybrook finally got their game together and Gareth Holdsworth went over for a try, converted by Milner, after some good work from Nathan Tucker and Jim Rugman.

Half Time;
Drybrook United 7pts
Luctonians 19pts

Drybrook looked a lot livelier after the break and the impressive Len Mulhane raced over for a try under the post to make the conversion a formality for Milner.
Minutes later Mulhane saved Drybrook with a terrific cover tackle as Luctonians began to threaten.
25 minutes into the second half Drybrook’s Mitch Hale was yellow carded and Luctonians made the one man advantage count by crossing for a try in the corner from a driven line out.
Things went from bad to worse for Drybrook when second row Alex Smailes was also shown yellow – this time when he was singled out after an altercation on the touch line.
With 13 men Drybrook somehow conjured another try when Nathan Tucker and Luke Roberts combined to make a lot of ground and Rugman took the final pass to go over.
With only one score separating the teams it looked set for a good finish but Drybrook’s constant penalty infringements and arguments with the referee played into the visitors hands.
A late flourish saw Luctonians secure victory with two well worked tries.

Drybrook United XV; Steve Skelton, Luke Roberts, Nathan Tucker, Matt Freeman, Andy Milner (capt), Gareth Holdsworth, Steve Virgo, Connor Auker-Howlett, Huw Rimmer, Joe James, Jon Pritchard, Jim Rugman, Len Mulhane, Mitch Hale.
Replacements; Dean Jelf, Adam Harris, Will Bailey, Alex Smailes, Fenton Bourne.