Rugby Report: Luton 7 - St Ives 19.

A scratch squad of 17 St Ives players assembled to make the long trip to Luton and pulled off a win.

With multiple injuries and non-availabilities, the majority have played most of their season for Ives seconds. It was without doubt the most satisfying victory of my tenure.

Ives started better, with dominance in the opening 20 minutes of the game. They had the better opportunities, and if the team had not been strung together at the last minute they may have converted some of these.

Ives played some exciting rugby at times. Handling and decision errors stopped Ives converting chances in to points, with much of the game played put between the two 22s.

Ives scrum was dominant, which set a platform.

With the half drawing to a close, Ives struck twice. First they scored following a lineout, with Ollie Raine stretching his legs to score down the five-metre channel.

The Hunts Post: Ollie Raine releasing Williams.Ollie Raine releasing Williams. (Image: Paul Cox)

From the restart, Luton kicked to Raine. He set off on a run through the heart of Luton. Throwing dummies and weaving a magic spell Harry Potter himself would be proud off, Raine fed Adam Williams for a free run from the 22, converted by Cullan Smy.

12-0 half time.

Ives started the second half well, camped in Luton’s 22. A fortunate intercept for the hosts saw the home player sprint the length of the field to score a converted try.

The rest of the half followed the pattern of the first. Ives created a few good opportunities, with Max Flint making some good powerful runs. Ives failed to capitalise on the chances created.

Dan De'ath had a powerful game in both the tight and the loose giving Luton a hard time of it. Good play eventually allowed Williams to score his second of the game, converted to make 19-7 to the visitors.

Luton gave it a go, but Ives tiring defence held resolute.

If you had given me that score on Friday night, I would have bitten your hand off.

However, all the regular second team players that stepped up to allow us to play the game, showed we are starting to build the depth that we need for the future.

Probably the most satisfying win of my tenure. Proud does not even come close to how I feel about the dirty 17 that played.