Malvern - Nth Mids Cup Semi - Final

Luctonians 36 - 6 Malvern

LUCTONIANS reached the final of the North Midlands Cup for the third time in four years thanks to a convincing 36-6 victory over Malvern at Mortimer Park on Saturday.

The Midlands 2 West league leaders failed to cope with the intensity of the home forwards and were found wanting in defence against a fitter and more organised Luctonians backline. Malvern did take an early lead with a penalty after just 5 minutes when Lucs were penalised for handling on the floor, but the response from the home side was immediate when, after a series of rucks, outside-half Alex James ghosted through a gap to cross in the corner for an unconverted score. More multi-phase possession from the visitors was the catalyst for the next score with rangy second rower Tim Breakwell going over in the corner although Lucs were unable to convert.

The visitors were struggling to keep up with play and their frustration boiled over when the visitors' tighthead prop was yellow-carded for punching. The home side suffered a blow with the loss of hooker Nick Byron, who went off with a rib cartilage injury. But Lucs did not stutter and got their fourth score through scrum-halfChris James when he collected a pass from winger Mark Panniers after he had made a telling break. James converted for a 17-3 lead. Malvern did stem the tide for a short while with another penalty. However they found themselves further behind when from a powerful pushover scrum, number 8 Paul Hulland had the simple task of touching down to increase the home lead to 22-6 at half time.

Lucs started with intent from the restart and it was not long beforethey posted their fourth score with Kiwi Centre Blake Korteweg slicing though for James to convert. Another pushover scrum enabled Hulland to secure his brace and with Korteweg on target with the conversion the home side finished up witha comfortable 30-point advantage.

A place in the final on May 11is secured when Lucs will meet the winners of the second semi-final between Hereford and Dudley Kingswinford.This week Lucs face Shropshire side Newport at home as they look to keep up the pressure on Coventry side Broadstreet who currently occupy the single play-off position in second place in Midlands 1.