STUART Bemand says he is immensely proud of how Luctonians finished the season after stepping down as head coach on Saturday.

Bemand decided this campaign would be his last in charge and he bowed out in the best possible way thanks to a 47-24 win over Sale in National League 2 North.

The victory meant Lucs leapfrogged above Harrogate into sixth place.

"The burden of coaching the club, alongside the commitment of my family and the farm at home meant it got a bit too much in the end," admitted Bemand.

"It was our second highest finish in National League 2 and, from where we were in November, it has been a fantastic turnaround."

Saturday also marked the end of prop Anthony Marfells' career at Mortimer Park.

Both Marfell and Bemand were given a guard of honour following the match.

"Marf is one player who looks a natural National league player and has been a credit in the way he has conducted himself both on and off the pitch," added Bemand.

"I started playing with him with the Colts and then coached him.

"For what he has done as a prop is a credit to him."

Bemand admitted the effort it took to stay up last season had a knock-on effect for the start of this campaign.

"We also had a lot of injuries, so were having to make four or five changes per side," said Bemand.

"We eventually got everyone back fit and we got a bit of continuity.

"The boys dug in during the past two seasons and have been fantastic.

"I have been a fan on the pitch and the dugout, now I am looking forward to watching in the stand and seeing how the team develops."