LUCTONIANS claimed their second home of the season after beating Blaydon 17-7 in National League North.

Played in difficult conditions, Lucs managed to control the game and are now up to seventh place in the division.

"I was really pleased with the win," said Luctonians head coach Ryan Watkins.

"I thought we controlled most areas of the game – our kicking, scrums and line-outs were all very good.

"Because of the difficult conditions, it was difficult to run with the ball, otherwise I think we could have got the bonus point."

Watkins was particularly impressed by the performances of forwards Piers Morell, Seb Robinson-Hall and Henry Monkley,

"They put in a massive amount of work rate and I think that was the difference between out back row and theirs," said Watkins.

Winger Adam Knight returned to the fold to score a try, while Adam Clayton and Dale Garner could be in contention for this Saturday's trip to Huddersfield.

"Most of the squad is fit and we've got quite a few boys coming back now, so we're in a good place," added Watkins.

"Huddersfield are going ok, but if we approach the game in the same way, then I am sure we can come back with a positive result."

The first half of last Saturday's game was played in heavy rain, which caused problems for both teams.

Lucs were the team on the front foot though and gave their north east opponents few chances.

Louis Silver's boot gave the home side the lead on 13 minutes when Blaydon were penalised for not releasing when under their own posts before he added to his tally six minutes before half time.

With the weather improving after the break, both sides looked to be more adventurous with the ball.

Lucs were again the benefactors when Blaydon were penalised, which gave Silver another opportunity to add another three pointer.

The game then became a midfield battle, with neither side able to impose themselves.

It only sparked into life after Silver kicked over another penalty on 67 minutes, which gave Lucs a 12-0 lead.

Blaydon came back into the game with a well worked try by Nathan Bailey, which Jo Whyman converted.

That set up a nervous final few minutes, but Knight's late touchdown following an interception by Mat Hackley secured the win.

Luctonians: Hodnett; Kelly, Barkley, Smith, Knight, Jones, Silver; Bradley, Hackley, White, Breese, Murphy, Hill, Monkley, Morell.

Replacements: Powell, Street, Kirkby, Robinson-Hall, Boxhall.

Blaydon: Bailey; Marshall, Small, Stoker, Appleton, Whyman, Miller; Melia, Thompson, Dodds, Wright, Borthwick, Charlton, Harrison, Laughlin.

Replacements: Hastie, Kilpatrick, Lenderyou, Reed, Zino.