Luton opened their London 2 North West season with a 5-26 defeat to Watford rivals Fullerians, as coach David Hamm admitted that ‘non-existent’ line speed in defence cost them dear in the first half.
Newlands Road was busy and buzzing with expectation, after a tough season and relegation last year, but hopes were quickly extinguished.
The home side welcomed back Jon Kerr to the second row and gave debuts to scrum-half Ashley Willing, winger Matt Poole and fullback Sam McGregor.
The visitors, who had come down with Luton, settled to their task quickly and although Luton led briefly after a Martin O’Grady try, it was Fullerians who quickly established their dominance.
Two penalties and tries from George Harvey and Charlie Dollard gave the visitors a comfortable 5-16 half-time lead.
Luton’s defensive frailties were not helped by Willing’s yellow card for a high tackle and spending 10 mins in the sin bin.
The second period saw a further penalty and try for Curtis Woodham as Fullerians eased their way to four points.
Luton struggled with injuries to Matt Yang, O’Grady and McGregor but showed moments of promise for the months ahead and will have an opportunity to realise that potential next week when they travel to Datchworth.
Coach David Hamm said: “(It was) a tough day and start to our season, frustrating from a coaching perspective as we know the boys are so much better.
“The key factor for me was our line speed in defence which was non-existent in the first half and although it improved massively in the second half, our one-on-one tackles let us down.”
Asked about Luton’s top performers, he said: “Ryan Staff, as always, when he’s on the pitch really put in a captain’s performance leading from the front.
“Harry Alston in the centres was one of our main threats going forward, carrying hard and hitting some good lines.
“Harry Wright also made a big difference when coming on forcing several turnovers and being more aggressive around the break down area.”
By Ian Nancollas