Preston Grasshoppers 7 pts Luctonians 10

LUCTONIANS gained one of their most impressive results of the season with a first-ever National Two North success at Lightfoot Green.

"A couple of weeks ago, I said that we needed three more wins to be safe and in mid-table," said the Mortimer Park club's director of rugby Alex Davidson.

"But this was not one that we had pencilled in.

"Every time we have been there before they have put 50 points on us."

Luctonians made a solid start in difficult conditions before the larger Preston forwards started to make some inroads.

The home side made the breakthrough midway through the first period when, following a series of mauls, Kilian Wallace touched down for a converted try.

"Those were the only points in the first half and at half-time we felt confident," said Davidson.

"We looked around at half-time and everyone seemed in good shape."

And so it proved as Luctonians went on to have the better of the second-half.

Tom Jones kicked a good penalty from distance and then added the extras as the visitors took advantage of Preston having two players in the sin-bin for Brad Talbot to go over for a try.

"After that we had to defend strongly," said Davidson.

"They threw everything at us but we held on."

Luctonians will be hoping to have Richard Jones back for the visit of Sheffield Tigers this weekend, one of the game's that Davidson has earmarked as winnable.

The former Birmingham & Solihull lock is still waiting for the specialist's verdict on his injured shoulder while Chris Jaques is still a couple of weeks away from his comeback.

"Psychologically, he's ready but we're not going to rush him, although it will be great to have him back," said Davidson.