LUCTONIANS just fell short against Scunthorpe in National League 2 North, going down 20-18 in National League 2 North.

A late converted try had reduced the deficit to just two points, but Lucs could not get another score and had to settle for a losing bonus point.

Scunthorpe were largely thankful to Steve Johnson, who scored half of their points, with the defeat leaving Luctonians in 11th place.

Colin Chapman opened the scoring for Scunthorpe with an excellent try, before Lucs fought back with a Louis Silver penalty.

Silver then kicked over another three-pointer after 31 minutes to put his side 6-5 ahead.

But Scunthorpe fought back straight away when Johnson intercepted a sloppy Luctonians pass on the halfway line to race 50 metres and score under the posts.

Johnson then converted the try to make it 13-6 to the home side.

Sam Morgan increased Scunthorpe’s lead with a well-taken team try before Luctonians hit back with a fine Charlie Grimes score.

Johnson then kicked a crucial penalty on 69 minutes before Lucs were handed a penalty try for pulling down a maul, which Silver converted. But Scunthorpe held on for the win.

This Saturday, Lucs make the short trip to Stourbridge for their final match of the year.

Ledbury carried on their good form by battering Old Leamingtonians 40-13 in Midlands 3 West (South).

Chris Stokes scored two of Ledbury’s five tries, with Nat Jenkins, Paul Williams and Arron Almond also going over; George Bennion added the extras.

The win leaves Ledbury in second place in the division, ahead of Shipston-on-Stour on points difference.

Bromyard are also going great guns in Midlands 3 West (South), but they sustained their first defeat at the weekend.

Bromyard, who led through a Mat Swain try and a Toby Rivers penalty against Pershore, a last minute try and had to settle for a losing bonus point having lost 12-8.

Greyhound beat Warley 63-34 to go up to second in Midlands 5 West (North), while Ross-on-Wye had an impressive 15-10 win over Bishopston in Gloucester 2.

Gavin Oates opened the scoring for Ross with a try, but Bishopston drew level before half-time when their scrum-half went over.

Conditions worsened after the break, but Ross increased the pressure and were rewarded with another Oates try, converted by Thai Hayward. Bishopston scored another try, but Ross held on.