Reversed penalty crucial as Luctonians beaten in National Two North at Birmingham & Solihull

A REVERSED penalty after 20 minutes altered the dynamic of a National Two North game that Luctonians were dominating.

The Herefordshire side had controlled the early stages of the match and had earned a penalty in the home 22.

But the decision was overturned and Birmingham broke out to score and then added a second try before the break.

"After playing some very good rugby, we found ourselves 13-0 down at half-time," said Luctonians' director of rugby Alex Davidson.

"But we mauled well at the start of the second half and made several replacements, all of whom contributed."

The revitalised Luctonians side hit back and Jordan Street went over for two tries.

And when Jimmy Norris also crossed, the margin was down to just a single point and the Herefordshire side were back in the game.

But, from the last play of the game, Birmingham broke and scored again in the corner.

"To rub it in, their kicker who had had a variable game, converted from the touchline to deprive us of a bonus point," said Davidson, who is due to consult a specialist tomorrow on the injured shoulder which has kept him out since October.

On Saturday, Luctonians will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they entertain Caldy at Mortimer Park.

"Caldy will be without their talisman prop Derek Salisbury who was sent off a couple of weeks back," said Davidson.

"They have not always travelled well so we need to reinvigorate what we do."