LUCTONIANS fell just short against joint National League 2 North leaders Tynedale, going down 40-38.

In a topsy-turvy games, Nicholas Cairns scored the vital try at the death to snatch the win.

“It was an outstanding performance from the boys against a very good Tynedale outfit and to lose at the death by a couple of points makes it all the more disappointing," said Luctonians head coach Ryan Watkins.

"With a couple of tweaks I can see the side going forward as the season continues”.

Tynedale opened the scoring through David Cook with almost the first move of the match before Lucs hit back with a Sam Boxhall penalty and a Guy Kirkby try.

Tynedale's backs were causing havoc though and excellent scores from David Batty and Cairns, converted by James Spencer, extended their lead.

However, Lucs did reduce the deficit to four points by half time after good work from Will Burton and Frank Kelly led to Sam Boxhall scoring a fine try.

Tynedale showed why they are having a fine season by adding more tries after the break, this time from Cook and Spencer; the latter adding a conversion.

The introduction of prop Joe White at half time galvanised the Lucs forwards though and they totally dominated their opponents in the second half.

His presence, along with his fellow forwards, dragged the home team back into the match and eventually into the lead with Frank Kelly and White adding tries before their forward dominance was rewarded with a penalty try with few minutes left on the clock.

But Tynedale were not to be denied and despite the fantastic vocal support for the home side, Cairns snatched the win at the death.