Longton 10th November

Luctonians’ visit to Longton looking for a reversal in fortunes after defeats in their last two Midlands One encounters was always going to be difficult and they went down for a third successive time by 18 points to nil. Longton, top of the table with Loughborough Students, were a competent well organized side and although Lucs enjoyed periods of dominance they were unable to match their opponents when it came to creating and finishing chances. The biting wind was a factor too and Longton’s familiarity with their exposed pitch and the unfavourable elements saw them cope better with the challenge that the conditions imposed.

Longton kicked off with the wind at their backs and took a twelfth minute lead with a penalty from full back Tony Wheat. Kicking for field position was not an option for Lucs and they were forced to grind out the yards invariably losing the hard earned territory as Longton used the wind to make lengthy clearances. The home side increased their lead in the 20th minute when following a lineout catch and drive the ball was recycled and centre Mike Swetman, an ever present threat, cut through for the try, Wheat adding the extra points.

Lucs then enjoyed their best passage of play with a period of sustained pressure on the Longton line but the first time tackling of the Longton backs, supported by an aggressive back row in which flanker Ben Grocott was outstanding, denied them the opportunity of getting back into the game and before half time Longton had increased their lead with a second penalty.

 Lucs had the wind at their backs in the second half and a pack that was dominating the set scrums but they still failed to claw back any of the 13 point deficit as Longton’s uncompromising defence continued to dominate. The confidence and ambition was slowly being squeezed out of Lucs and Longton had the final word when as full time approached they counter-attacked from a Lucs’ clearance and Swetman ran in his second try.

Lucs have a break from league rugby next week when they entertain Banbury in the second round of the EDF Cup. This should provide an opportunity to rediscover some of the early season form and confidence but cup ties can be notoriously unpredictable and the fact that Banbury play in a lower division will be of little significance..

Huw Davies