An experienced Welwyn Vets XV entertained a useful and significantly younger side from Luton at Hobbs Way on Saturday and after a few early scares in the first half, Welwyn eventually ran out comfortable winners in an entertaining contest. As the only game at home, a good crowd turned up to watch several familiar players try their best to defy the inevitable progress of time. Ed Knapp stole the headlines with four tries in a Man of the Match performance, but Welwyn’s win was very much a team performance.

Welwyn opened the scoring after 8 minutes. A good break by centre Pete Elliott secured a good field position and Welwyn took full advantage as Knapp crashed over to score the opening try of the game. Welsh exile, Luke Williams converted well.

The next period of the game belonged largely to the visitors and they took a deserved 7-10 lead with a penalty and a try under the posts. This seemed to spur the Welwyn Vets into action and following a penalty kick to the corner, fly half Neo Cambarro squeezed over to score. Luton narrowed the gap back to three points with a straightforward penalty before centre Marcus Adams found space in midfield and scored close to the posts with Williams added the extras. Knapp scored his second try just before half time and Williams again converted to give Welwyn a 26-13 lead at half time.

The second half saw a number of injuries and replacements which disrupted the rhythm of the game. Welwyn’s defence remained solid throughout and Luton were unable to add to their in the second period. Welwyn scored three more tries through Elliott and two from Knapp, with Williams and Adam each adding a conversion.