Seven tries as Luctonians beat Otley in National Two North (From Hereford Times)

Seven tries as Luctonians beat Otley in National Two North

3:00pm Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in Sport

Luctonians 43 pts Otley 18.

A SUPERB seven-try display lifted Luctonians back to third place in the National Two North table and banished memories of the previous week’s defeat at Caldy.

The Mortimer Park club’s fourth bonus point win in five matches keeps them hot on the heels of the leading two in the division.

With the wind behind them in the first period, Otley had the better of possession and territory, opening the scoring with a penalty from fly-half Ben Cooper after six minutes.

But, against the run of play, Luctonians hit back to score the opening try when Otley lost possession near the home try-line and winger Alex Rumsey raced 70 yards to touch down. Dan Smith kicked the conversion.

After absorbing another spell of pressure, Luctonians struck again when Paul Hulland forced his way over for an unconverted try.

Although Cooper kicked another penalty on the stroke of half-time, Luctonians soon stretched away at the start of the second period when winger Drew Cheshire broke clear to score wide out.

Smith again added the conversion before Otley cut the deficit with an unconverted try from Chris Gemmell.

Hooker Jordan Street broke through the middle and fought off a tackle to score under the posts, allowing Smith a straightforward conversion before Rumsey produced another spectacular moment to deny winger Michael Coady a try on a chip-and-chase.

Prop Rob Yeomans was yellow-carded as tempers began to fray and Otley took advantage with a score from Stephen Depledge which Cooper converted.

Any fears that, from 26-18, Otley may stage a revival were swiftly dispelled when Charlie Meredith dived over for an unconverted try.

And, in the closing minutes, further tries from Cameron Hewitt and player-coach Andy Williams, whose scored was converted by Smith, rounded off a morale-boosting success ahead of Saturday’s trip to leaders Stourbridge.