Only Kiwi magic to show from Luctonians' defeat

LUCTONIANS' six-match winning run in Powergen Midlands 1 came to an abrupt end when they were comprehensively defeated by a Derby side fighting to preserve their status.

An outside chance of avoiding relegation at the 11th hour provided Derby with a clear focus and they turned in a performance of intensity and purpose that Luctonians could not match.

Had it not been for three pieces of Kiwi magic from centre Effron Heather, Luctonians' afternoon would have been pointless in more ways than one - defeat finally killed off any vague play-off hopes - and the final scoreline might well have been more representative reading Derby 24 New Zealand 15.

The home side started with a bang and within two minutes Luctonians had conceded a try as the Derby pack drove over from lineout possession and number eight Mark Bradley got the touch-down.

Derby repeated the medicine 20 minutes later from another catch and drive, this time flanker Kevin Dove claiming the score.

The words dove and peace may have a biblical connection but this Dove was a stranger to calm and tranquillity, preferring instead to deal in urgency and abrasiveness. His contribution typified the commitment of the Derby pack.

Luctonians hit back with two tries from Heather, both conjured from nothing, and with the score at 10 points apiece and half-time approaching Luctonians looked to have clawed their way back into the match.

But an injury-time try from Derby centre Dave Fearn and a Phil Radcliffe conversion changed the complexion of the game and Luctonians turned around seven points adrift.

Fearn got his second try 16 minutes after the break when he latched on to a wayward chip ahead and, with the Radcliffe conversion a formality, Luctonians found themselves 14 points in arrears.

The possibility of a Derby victory gradually progressed from probable to certain and Luctonians found themselves increasingly chasing the game.

The Derby defence was up to the challenge and comfortably contained the Luctonians backs, apart from Heather who was a class apart.

On the final whistle he completed his hat-trick of tries with another touch of individual brilliance, the Chris James conversion providing Luctonians with a scoreline that was somewhat flattering.