Luctonians 35 pts Dunstablians 32

LUCTONIANS staged a tremendous second-half fight-back which was eventually rewarded with a narrow revenge win over Dunstablians in another cliff-hanger of a match at Mortimer Park.

Luctonians, knocked out of the cup by a last-minute score the previous week and beaten 23-20 by Dunstablians in October, showed great character to maintain third place in the Powergen Midlands 1.

They took an early lead with a converted try but their defence was then shredded for 27 unanswered points and at half-time they appeared dead and buried.

But a comeback of epic proportions saw Luctonians rack up 21 points of their own before Dunstablians hit back with a late try to regain the lead.

Luctonians again raised their game to snatch victory in injury time.

Luctonians were very much in control at the onset and in the 14th minute lock Paul Hart burst through the middle to touch down under the posts for a try that full-back Will Parry converted.

But Dunstablians' riposte was immediate as the home team mishandled in front of their posts and centre Richard Butler was on hand to snap up the loose ball and score. A Johnnie White conversion levelled the scores.

For the rest of the half Dunstablians were very much in control with tries from lock Damian Daize and two from winger Dave Bradshaw. A White conversion and a penalty completed the rout and the visitors turned around leading 27-7.

Not even the most generous supporter could have anticipated the home side's second half performance.

Luctonians hit back five minutes into the half when centre Mark Panniers sliced through for a try and wing Ryan Henshaw repeated the dose as he cut in field from the right and outstripped the defence.

A break by fly-half Dan Hinton led to Luctonians' fourth try as the ball went left to be switched inside for skipper Steven Saint to score. With four Parry conversions and only 18 minutes played Luctonians had gone into an incredible one-point lead.

But Dunstablians were not finished and Brad-shaw complete his hat trick for his side to regain the lead in the 35th minute of the half.

The final word, however, went to the Luctonians as in injury time Hinton opened up the visitors' defence with a dummy and strolled in under the posts.

Parry completed a fine afternoon's place kicking with his fifth conversion and Luctonians had snatched a last-gasp victory in much the same way as Bradford & Bingley had the week before.