NICK ALWAY REPORTS

RuRebranded CS have enough gas on the road LUTON 8 - CS gby 1863 29

Rebranded CS have enough gas on the road
LUTON 8 - CS Rugby 1863 29

With a new name and a new strip for a new season C S Rugby 1863 (formerly Civil Service) were visiting Luton RFC for the first time in this opening day National 3 London and South East fixture.

CS enjoyed clear forward dominance in the early exchanges but a combination of that familiar early season condition, hot potato syndrome, with that other ailment, indiscipline, meant that, despite CS’s stream of possession, it was Luton who took the lead after 15 minutes.

CS’s initial approach had been far too frenzied and being marched back 10 metres for back-chat when in a good position was simply one more, if starker, manifestation of this lack of control. Worse still, Luton reacted quickly and after a scrum half break, well supported, and quick recycling, winger Stephen Cobb was able to round what was left of the defence to score in the cornerunconverted.

In the second quarter a more structured approach by CS and far better support running lines started to pay off. First No. 8 James Gillett scythed through on the angle for an impressive score and then further concerted forward pressure saw hooker Darryl Gore find a big hole to touch down near the posts.

An exchange of penalties at the end of the half saw CS with a reasonably comfortable 17:8 lead and what appeared to be a very stable forward platform.

It was therefore a surprise when Luton came back strongly, dominating territory and possession and nicking two tight heads in the process from a re-arranged CS front row.

With Luton holding the whip hand for the best part of 25 minutes, the significance of which side might be the next to score was not lost on the spectators. However, for all Luton’s bludgeoning efforts, they lacked the guile to finesse any real opening.

Stubborn defence often brings dividends and another big CS hit saw the ball spilled, re-gathered, moved quickly upfield and fly half Scott Hadden dancing through to score. That was effectively the coup de grace delivered on CS’s almost first visit to the opposition’s half since the interval.

With greater incentive not to allow the game just to meander to a conclusion and the CS pack now again in control, the bonus point try duly arrived courtesy of winger Phil O’Leary.

With a number of handy debut performances and due allowance being made for inevitable early season rustiness, the Stags will be happy to have got their re-branded show impressively back on the road. In other games, however, they are likely to pay more dearly should they take their foot off the gas to the same extent.

CS scorers:
Tries: Gillett, Gore, Hadden, O’Leary.
Cons: Hadden (3)
Pen: Hadden