LUCTONIANS were pleased to have picked up a bonus point in their battle to avoid relegation from National League 2 (North) despite their 45-29 defeat to table-toppers Ampthill.

“We knew we were in for a tough game so we set about with the aim to get back to scoring tries," said Luctonians director of rugby Alex Davidson.

The hosts, who have a two-point lead at the top of the table, got off to a flying start, scoring two tries inside the opening 10 minutes.

Lucs regrouped and scored two unconverted tries thanks to Joe Doyle as they tried to keep a handle on the game.

But Ampthill, who have lost just three games all season, were able to add a further two tries before the half was out, and another three shortly after the break to seal the win.

Luctonians responded with a try of their own when number eight Thomas Jones touched down, and they were rewarded for their hard work when Frank Kelly and lock John Kelly both touched down to pick up a four-try bonus point.

Luctonians sit second from bottom and are level on points with three Birmignham & Solihull and Hull in the battle to stay up.

Davidson admits his side have some big matches coming up.

“We’ve got to get a win against teams around us like Birmingam & Solihull, but if we can target getting four tries in a game, we’ll be somewhere close to a win," he said.