Walsall 15 pts

Luctonians 17

LUCTONIANS extended their winning sequence to 12 league games and moved up to second place in Powergen Midlands 1 with a hard-fought victory at Walsall.

Luctonians were forced to make two changes in their front row from the side which pipped leaders Longton the previous week and there was another extended period of injury time in a tense finish.

The visitors went close to scoring in the first minute when a 50-metre break by centre Roger Chilman saw him hauled down short of the line. A minute later a Walsall penalty kick from 40 metres fell short.

Both sides were attempting to play an open game but the heavy underfoot conditions made things difficult.

After 13 minutes the visitors took the lead when an astute chip ahead by Chilman gave space for winger Andy Garrod to score a try and Jeremy Wheadon added the conversion.

Midway through the half a loose Luctonians pass was hacked through but James Owen was on hand to save the day.

For 15 minutes the big Walsall pack laid siege to the vistors' line and were eventually rewarded with a simple penalty chance which Michael Swingwood slotted over. Then, on the stroke of half-time, the home side took an 8-7 lead when winger Chris Mould found space to go over in the corner.

Early in the second half Luctonians lost winger Owen with a leg injury and he was replaced by Mark Panniers. Walsall again had the visitors under pressure for the first 15 minutes before centre Jon Goodwin made a fine midfield break which took play to the Walsall 22-metre line.

A fine threequarter movement saw substitute Anthony Marfell gain second-phase possession to give Garrod space to jink past his opposite number and then kick ahead to score in the corner.

The fitness level of the Luctonians then took its toll on the opposition and, following further open play, substitute Andrew Morris dummied his way over for a try.

From the resulting restart Luctonians put themselves under pressure and, after a series of scrums near the line, Walsall flanker Rod Dickson went over for a try which Swingwood converted to reduce the deficit to two points.

Luctonians stormed back up field and seven minutes into injury time declined a simple penalty chance in order to keep possession.

A further four minutes elapsed before the referee ended proceedings with the visitors still encamped near the home side's goalline.

The victory took Luctonians above Whit-church, who have played two more fixtures, on points difference and left them just two points behind title favourites Longton.