Bedford Athletic 22nd September

Saturday September 22nd

Luctoninas 53 Bedford Athletic 15

Luctonians continued their league campaign when they played hosts to Bedford Athletic. The home side forced the pace from the beginning and took the lead after only 3 minutes when the visitors infringed and fly half Brett Prior slotted over the penalty. Within 2 minutes the visitors had levelled the score when their flay half Clinton Prinsloo kicked a penalty from 40 metres. It was evident from the first scrum that the visitors pack were in for a torrid afternoon as they struggled to contain a strong Luctonians front row. It took the home side 15 minutes to register their first try when prop Anthony Marfell forced his way over for a try which was converted by Prior. Midway through the half Bedford’s centre Ben Campbell was yellow carded for tripping.

Although enjoying plenty of possession Lucs were let down at times by some poor handling. After 33 minutes No 8 Paul Hulland forced his way over for an unconverted try to give Lucs a half time lead of 15 points to 3 points.

Within minutes of the restart Hulland claimed his second try with Prior adding the extra points. There was no stopping a dominating home set of forwards and Marfell claimed his second try. Prior again converting. On the hour lock forward Olly King wriggled over for an unconverted try.

Lucs then brought on their replacements and for a short while seemed to lose their momentum and allowed Bedford to score their first try, when Campbell went over wide out. Luctonians response was immediate and saw wing forward Tim Breakwell score his first try for the club when he forced his way over. Prior again converting.

Shortly after the same person was yellow carded and immediately the visitors took advantage when Clinton Prinsloo found a gap in the home defence to score under the posts he also added the extra points.

However it was Lucs who had the final say when 2 tries in the final 8 minutes, both scored by Prior, one which he converted to give Luctonians a comprehensive 53 points to 15 victory consolidating their position at the top of the league.

Saturday 29th. September Luctonians 1st. XV travel to Dudley Kingswinford

Robin East