Tows came into this game buoyed by recent wins and had a great opportunity to move up the table with a win against Lutterworth this past Saturday at home. Lutterworth, having recently been deducted 5 points, similarly needed the win to give them breathing space.
The loss late in the week of influential loose head Zac Osborne was cause for concern, Tows opting for a lightweight mobile back five, against a powerful Lutterworth pack.
Early in the game Lutterworth's scrum advantage soon became apparent, driving over for an early converted try, but Tows running game started to establish itself, the back row linking with the backs to create chances, Cam Young benefitting from a long pass to edge over in the corner from 22 metres out, ben Roe narrowly missing the conversion but making amends shortly afterwards with a long range penalty for Tows to take the lead, 8 - 7.
Lutterworth then received the first of the games cards, their no.7 taking ten minutes for indiscipline, Tows took advantage when Cam Young carved through the centre to score under the posts and extend Tows lead, Roe adding the extras. Lutterworth pack came back and after a period of extended pressure moved the ball wide to score, a fine corner conversion, bringing the visitors to within a point. Ben Roe ended the first half with a penalty for Tows to turn around 18 - 14 ahead.
Tows moved clear after a further penalty and then the games best try, Tows back creating space and breaking tackles, Young again to the fore breaking through and feeding Alex Parker to go in unopposed, Tows looking in control 28 - 14 ahead.
the game was then turned on its head, Tom Threlfall picking up a yellow card quickly followed by Peter Gowler who was shown a disputed red card for an alleged clash of heads during a tackle, Tows down to 13 men Lutterworth found renewed strength driving over from a lineout, the conversion and then a penalty kick bringing them to within four points. Tows worked hard in defence and created another opportunity for Young to complete his hat-trick, and despite another yellow card late on for Ben Anderson, Roe kicked a final penalty to deny Lutterworth anything from the game.
The Bonus Point win for Tows moves them up to 11th in the table with league and cup games coming thick and fast, travelling away to Market Harborough this Saturday 2.15pm Kick Off in the League.
Around the Club, Tows 2nd XV put up an impressive display in beating Daventry 2's 41 - 0 away and the result of the weekend must be Tows Colts, who took the long journey to Peterborough and came away with a brilliant win 10 - 16 against a Peterborough side boasting at least six East Midlands players.