Colchester Rugby Club won their third successive bonus point victory to stay second in the division after winning 37-18 at Luton in London League division one north.

A quality Luton side put in an impressive first-half performance but were unable to hold against Colchester’s dominating second half display and winger Dave Brennan celebrated his return to Colchester from Luton with two tries against his former club.

Colchester misfired in the first half as passes were dropped or forward while a spate of offside penalties conceded position.

From a line-out catch and drive, Luton’s hooker Ben Murphy crossed for the opening try.

However, quality possession enabled number eight James McRae to zip over for Colchester’s first try.

David Higgins kicked the conversion for the lead.

However, Luton responded with left wing Tesh Edwards breaking two tackles to run in a fine solo try.

Pressure from the Colchester pack enabled Higgins to add a penalty to level the half-time score at 10-10.

Colchester then dominated the second half.

Luton were penalised for offside and scrumhalf Gregor Irvine’s quick tap penalty sent brother Calum into space to draw defenders before releasing Brennan to race in a try from halfway.

Luton responded with a successful penalty kick by lock Tom Albone.

Pressurising Luton from the restart resulted in a hasty clearance kick fielded by full-back Brett Cuttbush who counterattacked at speed.

He linked with Irvine who set Brennan clear to race in his second try.

A Luton line-out catch and drive was held up on the line by skipper Calum Irvine.

Colchester’s forwards turned the scrum to win a put-in five metres in front of their own line, won the ball and ran the length of the field to score.

McRae and Whiteman carried from the scrum, Elliot Castle linked with James Crozier who drew defenders before Cuttbush raced in for the fourth bonus point try.

Colchester moved the ball with confidence but a carefree pass was intercepted leading to a try for the impressive Luton flanker, Will Temperley.

Replacement wing Damien Brambley set up a Colchester attack.

The referee indicated a penalty award to Colchester but Gregor Irvine played the advantage against a static Luton defence to send brother Calum over for a try. Higgins added the conversion.

Pressurising a retreating and beaten Luton, Colchester spun the ball to Brambley who left tired tacklers in his wake to score a try with the final move of the game.