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North Midlands Cup Final 2005
Luctonians 14 vs Whitchurch 13
North Midlands Cup Final

8th May 2005
Luctonians had failed to win the North Mids Cup since its inception in 1972 but they finally succeeded when they snatched a single point, injury time victory over old rivals Whitchurch. The 14 points to 13 success represented all that is best in cup finals with both sides showing total commitment in a match that pulsated and crackled from start to finish.
The adage that forwards win matches and the backs decide the margin seem to be holding true for much of the match as a rugged uncompromising Whitchurch pack with several old campaigners on board gave the Lucs’ eight a thoroughly testing afternoon particularly in the set scrummages. But the Lucs forwards showed a dogged persistence and with a touch of the VE Day spirit refused to capitulate, contesting every ball and plundering the occasional Whitchurch line out for good measure.
Much like the Midlands One encounter at Mortimer Park in January Lucs applied all the early pressure but failed to register a score and in the twentieth minute somewhat against the run of play Whitchurch opened their account with a penalty from centre Chris Hares. But Lucs took the lead shortly before half time with a well-rehearsed move. From line out possession and a rolling maul fly half Jeremy Wheadon switched the ball inside for blind side wing Mark Panniers to hit at pace. His momentum took him to the line where centre Richard Henwood was up in support for the scoring pass. Wheadon’s conversion sailed wide but the try enabled Lucs to turn around at the half with a five points to three advantage.
Lucs extended this lead within two minutes of the restart as skipper and scrum half Steve Saint was taken out chasing his kick ahead and Wheadon kicked the penalty. The good work was immediately undone however as Lucs conceded a penalty of their own at the kick off and and Hares landed his second goal. In the twentieth minute Wheadon replied with a second penalty of his own as Whitchurch were penalised for a line out infringement. The Whitchurch forwards continued to pose problems however and following sustained pressure on the Lucs’ line substitute flanker Scott Watson crashed over under the posts, the conversion providing Whitchurch with a two point lead and the clock running out.
But the Lucs do or die attitude prevailed and in injury time Whitchurch, under pressure were penalised for crossing and Wheadon was presented with the opportunity of winning the match for his side. His icy demeanour was matched only by the reverential silence in which the kick was taken, a credit to the Whitchurch supporters and a reflection of the spirit in which the match had been played. The kick sailed true and Lucs had snatched a last gasp but merited victory.

Report from www.luctonians.co.uk