Luctonians vs Loughborough Students
Rugby was back with a bang yesterday at Mortimer Park.
Whilst the rugby season started a few weeks ago, thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, yesterday was the first home game for Luctonians first XV in 574 days! They were scheduled to play at home two weeks ago against Chester in what would have been the season opener at Mortimer Park. However, with an outbreak of the virus in the squad, a late cancellation was forced. This then was the third game of the season for Lucs but the season opener for Mortimer Park.
Yesterday really was a well overdue occasion for both the fans and the players. A bumper crowd turned up to see the game, and Luctonians supported Prostate cancer UK in their charity ‘Lucs in Blue’ day. The crowd all turned up wearing blue, and the players played in a special one off ‘Lucs in Blue’ kit. At the end of the game, the player’s shirts were auctioned off one by one, with all the proceeds going to Prostate Cancer UK, raising a phenomenal amount of money. Well done all!
Our first game as the main sponsor
For WLS IT Solutions, this was our first home game as the new main sponsor. What a fantastic welcome by everyone at the club. We didn’t get to meet all of you, but over the coming weeks, we look forward to making new friends and catching up with everyone we met yesterday.
I have been told that Luctonians is a special place, and yesterday I finally got to experience what that truly means. From the amazing team serving the food and drinks, right through to the players and coaching team. Every single person is not only extremely friendly and welcoming, but they are also equally as passionate about the club. The same is true for the fans also. There is a lot of ‘black & white’ blood at Mortimer park!
It really was a pleasure seeing so many Luctonians banging the boards and getting behind the team. The players responded to the rising noise as the game went on. The atmosphere generated was phenomenal and we look forward to seeing this week in week out at the park.
The final score
The game finished a close 22-28 with Loughborough Students holding on to their victory against a strong Luctonians side. Loughborough took an early lead and looked to be running away with the game early in the first half. Luctonians managed to get a hold of the play and brought it back but could not turn the early deficit around.
Loughborough Students put up a strong display. They are a fast team and worked really hard. In fact, judging by what I saw the team doing in their post match meal, they really worked up a thirst! Good look to whoever has to empty those bins! I won’t disclose it here, but those that know, know! Apparently they were participating in a tradition for players having their debuts!
Man of the match was awarded to Luctonians Owien Harriet-Davies playing in the number 5 shirt.
Final thoughts
Despite the result, it was a fantastic experience and one we cannot wait to sample again in a fortnight’s time. The weather was fantastic, and the fans were even better! As the new main sponsor, WLS IT Solutions will be around for most of the home games so please do come and say hello. We hope to meet as many of you as possible over the coming weeks.
The next game is an away trip to Huddersfield with the next home game coming against Harrogate on the 9th October.
See you there!