LUCTONIANS are out of the National League 2 North relegation zone following an excellent 31-24 win at Preston Grasshoppers.

The Kingsland side were at one stage 21-18 behind before Louis Silver levelled the scores with a penalty.

Josh Watkins then scored a try to put Lucs 26-21 ahead before Joe Doyle secured a bonus point with another touchdown.

Preston reduced the arrears with a penalty, but Lucs held on for their third win in a row.

Luctonians are now 12th in the division, a point above the relegation zone.

But crucially, Lucs have games in hands on all the sides around them.

Hereford also claimed a fine 35-14 win over Dudley Kingswinford in Midlands 1 West.

The Wyesiders are sixth in the division, but have up to four games in hand on the sides above them.

Ledbury's promotion hopes in Midlands 3 West (South) took a hit today following a 19-18 loss to Old Coventrians.

Ledbury are fourth in the division, eight points off the two places.

Bromyard also have it all to do to go up from Midlands 4 West (North) after going down 20-12 to Bishop's Castle.

Bromyard are third with 52 points, the same number as second-placed Barton-under-Needwood, but have played three more games.

Greyhound, meanwhile, lost 38-7 to Midlands 5 West (North) leaders Essington.

Ross-on-Wye were hungry today as they thrashed basement club Aretians 62-7 in Gloucester 2.