Biggleswade RUFC

Biggleswade got their first win of the season away at Luton on Saturday.

The home side started strongly. A missed exit kick allowed Luton to keep Biggy pinned in their own 22 for the first 10 minutes, before Luke Gadsby received an opposition cross field kick and spotted space in behind their defence. The pace of Gadsby and Kieran Brasier stopped Luton from running the ball back, eventually winning Biggleswade the lineout in a great position. A penalty was awarded with Brasier slotting the ball away.

Luton used their heavy forward pack to power the ball up the centre of the field, but Luke Dillinger ended the attack with a useful turnover. 

The Biggleswade scrum provided a strong base for the backline to attack through a variety of play. A new mix of running lines and great use of space with chips over the top constantly asked questions of Luton’s defence. 

A second Brasier penalty inside just outside the 22 sailed between the posts.

Although Luton were fast at the breakdown they couldn’t match debut Biggy player Lucas Town, who won the ball back, allowing Brasier to chip the defence, pushing Luton back yet again.

Another converted penalty put Biggy up 0-9.

Biggleswade’s continued pressure paid off after a strong smash through the centre by James West with an offload and quick back line handling setting up Richard Sinclair, who scored in the corner. Brasier converted.

A superb set piece move from a central scrum saw West draw in Luton players then pass out the back, creating space for Ollie Vagg to put through Brasier for a try under the posts.

Biggy started the second half moving the ball round with great handling skills. Luton upped their game, with their strong forwards keeping possession. Their persistence almost paid off but an attempted try was held up. The Biggy defence was pulled from side to side and the constant pressure finally told as Luton crashed over the line.

Biggy’s final try of the afternoon came from another debut player, John Richardson, who used excellent footwork to dodge past three Luton defenders and stretch to the try line.

With 12 minutes to play, a misplaced kick was gathered by the Luton backs for a breakaway try against the flow of play. The score gave Luton a new lease of life and they put Biggleswade under pressure for the remainder of the game, but poor discipline meant Biggy were able to regain territory after a Luton player was red-carded. 

The final try of the game went to the home team after they spread the ball wide.

Final score 17-28 to Biggy, who host Melton Mowbray at Langford Road on Saturday.

Biggleswade Men’s 2nds also found their winning ways on Saturday with a great home win, beating St Albans Men’s 2nds 36-12.

Photos by Lisa Dillinger

(ABOVE) John Richardson scoring on his debut