Luctonians clinch promotion

14/05/10 by

Luctonians are celebrating to National League Two North for next season, their highest-ever league placing, following an 18-10 win at Stockport in their National League Three promotion play-off.

Luctonians, who trounced league champions Ampthill the previous week to book their place in the play-off, had he wind and slope in their favour in the first half which was disrupted by several knocks.

After five minutes the home-side lost a flanker with a broken leg. Early exchanges were fairly equal but the home-side used their big pack to make strong bursts through the midfield.

After fifteen minutes Lucs missed a scoring chance when a kick ahead went just too far. Soon after Stockport were caught offside and Mike Thompson kicked a 23 metre penalty, the visitors pack were causing the opposite numbers problems which resulted in another penalty which Thompson slotted over.

Stockport then had their best spell and spent some time battering the Lucs try line. Lucs had Prop Anthony Marfell yellowed carded and from the resulting penalty the home-side forced their way over for a unconverted try which left Luctonians 6-5 up at the break.

Luctonians started the second half strongly not allowing Stockport to gain any momentum. After 54 minutes following a solid Lucs scrum Number 8 Paul Hulland crashed over for an unconverted try. Lucs then missed a penalty attempt before the home-side claimed a second try following a lineout. Lucs were slow to react which allowed the home-side forwards to force their way over. The conversion attempt drifted just wide.

Lucs hit back and put the home-side under considerable pressure and were rewarded with four minutes remaining when Marfell strolled over for a try which Thompson converted.

In the final minutes centre Leon Mells was yellow carded but Lucs held on without difficulty to record a superb victory which was celebrated by their large band of supporters who swarmed onto the pitch.