Luctonians 12 pts Aston OE 24

LUCTONIANS completed their season on a disappointing note when they gave a surprisingly flat display against lower-graded Aston Old Edwardians in the North Midlands Cup final at Stourbridge on Sunday.

The North Herefordshire club were making only their second appearance in the final - they lost to Old Dixonians in 1975 - and were hoping to gain some silverware after finishing runners-up in Midlands 1 and losing the play-off for national promotion.

But it was Aston, beaten by Malvern in last year's final, who rose to the occasion. They outplayed the North Herefordshire club to win by two tries, one of which was converted, and four penalties to a try and penalty try, which was also converted.

Lifting the cup completed a double for the Birmingham club who three weeks earlier had won the Midlands 3 West (North) title.

The Aston forwards dictated the game and, with wily play from the half-back combination of Alan Mitchell and Martin Smith, the more junior side controlled the ball almost throughout.

Luctonians began promisingly enough and took the lead after 13 minutes when scrum-half Steve Saint nipped over for a try. Fly-half Jeremy Wheadon missed the conversion into a strong wind and Aston quickly replied with a penalty from centre Nick Langford.

Further pressure from Aston was rewarded when Luctonians were caught in possession and winger Darren Gardner scored in the left corner. Langford missed the touchline conversion attempt but was on target with a 39th-minute penalty to give the Birmingham club an 11-5 interval lead.

Luctonians had the wind at their backs in the second half but Aston started in the ascendancy and Langford increased their lead with a penalty after eight minutes. Wheadon had the chance to reply soon after but was uncharacteristically off target with a shot from in front of the posts.

Langford was successful again after 17 minutes and Luctonians were left struggling to make up the leeway.

A try five minutes from time virtually killed them off. Flanker Glen Eager intercepted a pass as Luctonians were running the ball out of defence and Langford added the conversion.

Luctonians made one last effort and were awarded a penalty try, which Wheadon converted, just before the final whistle.