Luctonians 48 pts Hull 32 pts.

LUCTONIANS completed a National Two North double over their Yorkshire rivals to make a winning start to the New Year.

But their delight in scoring seven tries was tempered by poor defending which allowed the visitors to run in three simple scores of their own.

Luctonians dominated early possession and were rewarded with a try when prop Anthony Marfell forced his way over.

The home side quickly increased their advantage when a strong burst by lock Dan Smith gave space for winger Drew Cheshire to race clear for a try which Morris converted.

But lost possession allowed Hull full-back Jim Wigglesworth to race over under the posts, giving fly-half Gregory Lounds an easy conversion.

Home full-back Jimmy Norris responded with a Luctonians try, but a simple Lounds penalty kept the visitors in touch.

The scores kept coming with home flanker Chris Harris claiming a bonus point try before Hull centre Iosefo Tony burst through the centre to score under the posts, Lounds again converting.

Luctonians, however, hit back when Paul Hulland forced his way over.

Morris’ conversion gave Luctonians a 29–17 half-time lead and, within minutes of the re-start, the Herefordshire side increased their lead when Cheshire claimed his second try.

Hull responded with a Lounds penalty before the visitors had hooker William Kay sin-binned for a technical offence.

From the resulting penalty, the Hull pack was in disarray, giving the referee David Proctor no option but to award a penalty try.

And then winger Alex Rumsey rounding his opposite number to score a try which Morris converted.

An interception by Hull’s star player Wigglesworth a metre from his own line saw the full-back race the length of the field for a score under the posts which he converted himself.

And the visitors rounded off the scoring when replacement Alexander Piercy off-loaded to winger Stephen Slingsby to touch down with the final move of the game.

George Thomas was Luctonians’ man-of-the-match.

There is more National Two North action at Mortimer Park on Saturday when Luctonians entertain Caldy, kick-off 2.15pm.