Luctonians 35 v 17 Redruth

Luctonians showed their title pedigree to score two tries in the last quarter after the Reds had closed to within 4 points after 52 mins. The Reds were denied a bonus point when attacking in the last play of the game against a Lucs side down to 13, they fell victim to an interception try to make the score line look somewhat flattering to home side.

On a bitterly cold day in Herefordshire the Reds were first on the scoreboard through a Dan Rutter penalty on 19 mins. The lead was short lived though, a Lucs break was stopped just short of the line, a number of phases were well defended by the Reds but the defence was undone by a clever little grubber kick which was pounced upon by Josh Watkins. The dependable boot of Louis Silver adding the extras on 26 mins. Soon after the home side went further ahead with Caleb Montgomery powered over following a 5 metre line-out for a converted try. The lead was extended before the break when Josh Watkins showed great pace and footwork to speed over near the posts for the home sides 3rd try.
Half-Time: Luctonians 21 - 3 Redruth

The Reds needed to score next to keep the game alive and they did so early in the 2nd period through Harry Hocking with Rhys Brownfield slotting the conversion. The Reds were having the best of the 2nd period and It was definitely game on not much later when Charlie Levick sped over for the Reds 2nd try. The conversion got the Reds to within 4 points. That was as good as it got for the Reds and on 60 mins Seb Robinson was on the end of a clever set play at a 5 metre lineout as the home side stretched their advantage to 11 and got the 4 try bonus point. The Reds were not finished though and continued to have the best of things territorially but could not break down the stubborn home defence to add to their tally. Tom Legge was shown Yellow one minute after getting on the field and then with the Reds pressurising Joe White also saw Yellow to reduce the home side to 13 for the last few minutes. It seemed odds on that the Reds would be able to go over for a try to get the losing bonus point but then came the interception to the delight of the home crowd.
Although there is a long way to go the title looks to be a fight between Lucs and Dings Crusaders but there are a few clubs just below then who may have other ideas.

Next Saturday will be a busy day at the Recreation Ground when the Reds take on Clifton. It's not only the annual 'Players Reunion' but also Hauliers Day when the big trucks will be on display around the ground.

Luctonians
Tries: Watkins (2), Montgomery, Robinson, Parkes.
Conv: Silver (4), Jones.

Redruth
Tries: Hocking, Levick.
Conv: Brownfield (2)
Pen: Rutter