Luctonians 38 pts Walsall 3

LUCTONIANS made sure of a play-off place for national rugby with a convincing 35-point win in their final Powergen Midlands 1 match of the season.

A double over Walsall confirmed runners-up honours for the Kingsland-based club who will have ground advantage against their Northern 1 counterparts Macclesfield on Satur-day, April 26 to decide who joins champions Longton in National 3 North.

Luctonians needed victory to ensure they finished above Whitchurch and, after establishing a 19-3 interval lead, the result was never in doubt.

Two tries in the first 10 minutes of the second half were decisive blows, although Walsall kept battling throughout.

That the visitors could manage only a penalty in 80 minutes play was testament to Luctonians' grip on the game from a solid team performance.

There were outstanding individuals, however, notably flanker Simon Lewis who made his presence felt throughout the game, scored the second try and had a hand in two others, including the last from Steve Saint.

Australian scrum-half Saint's quick thinking set up several moves, while full-back Jeremy Whea-don was also in top form with two tries and four conversions.

Luctonians made their intentions plain from the start and snatched a fourth-minute lead when Jon Goodwin accepted a pass from fellow centre Roger Chilman to cross the line after good work by winger James Owen. Wheadon kicked the conversion.

Walsall's big pack produced a spell of pressure which was rewarded with a penalty from fly-half Mike Swingwood, who also tested the home defence with overhead kicks on the hard ground.

But Luctonians went 14-3 ahead through Lewis in the 24th minute when he rounded off a slick move instigated by Saint and Wheadon added the conversion.

The full-back then went over for a corner try himself after a break by fly-half Greg Harwood in the 30th minute.

The game was played at a fast and furious pace until the interval and then eight minutes into the second half the home team added to their score. Lewis provided a one-handed pass to put Saint away and he found Chilman in support and his try left Wheadon with an easy conversion.

Two minutes later Wheadon scored a fine individual try in the left corner and then landed a superb conversion from the touchline.

The sixth try did not come until the end of the game when Lewis sent Saint away on a darting, blind-side run and the Aussie touched down in the right corner.