Dunstablians 8th March

Luctonians 26 - 12 Dunstablians

LUCTONIANS climbed to third spot in Midlands One thanks to a solid 26 -12 victory over Dunstablians at Mortimer Park on Saturday.

The home side, who are still coping with an extensive injury list, started slowly and were made to pay by Dunstablians scrum-half Stuart Hall when he sniped his way over in the corner after 10 minutes following some sustained visiting pressure - although they were unable to convert. This spurred Lucs into action and, after several neat passages of play, prop and skipper Ben McGowan burst over for a birthday score; however centre Blake Korteweg, who had been handed the kicking dutiesfor the day, missed with his conversion attempt. The home side were now enjoying some considerable momentum and the pressure told when flanker Ben James was in support to collect a scoring pass from full-back Andy Garrod to cross under the posts for Korteweg to convert. Garrod was next on the score sheet after he darted over out wide from a neat movement from the potent Lucs backline. Korteweg's conversion attempt went agonisingly close but the Kingsland club still held a comfortable 17-5 lead at the break.

The Bedfordshire visitors were not ready to roll over and after some strong forward play, back-rower Tim Breakwell was sin-binned for his side's persistent infringing at the breakdown.The pick-drive-plays were proving fruitful Dunstable, and they got their reward on 48 minutes when blindside flanker Brendan Clarkeforced his way over for a try; winger Kevin Bowland to convert. But Lucs, sensing a fightback was on the cards, regrouped and extended their lead to 23-5 thanks to two penalties from Korteweg after infringements at the breakdown from the visitors. The home side were boosted by the return of centre Charlie Meredith after a lengthy injury lay-off when he came on to replace Alex Smith but the home side also had to contend with the loss of hooker Joff Bemand to injury. Lucs had the better of the play in the closing stages and could have profited from several scoring chances but the home side were guilty of poor decision-making and could not take advantage. Another Dunstable infringement gave Korteweg the opportunity to seal the league points and he duly obliged in the final minute to seal a comfortable, but at times clumsy, 26-12 win for his side.

Lucs are due to take part in the North Midlands Cup on Saturday but with their opponents yet to be decided they will be concentrating on their long trip to Scunthorpe on March 29.