LUCTONIANS narrowly missed out on the Midlands Premier league title and promotion on the final day of the league season

Despite winning 80-19 at Lichfield the Mortimer Park side fell just short as Scunthorpe scraped to a 17-16 win at a stubborn Broadstreet side.

The results meant that Luctonians will host Blaydon in a play-off match on April 27, with the winner returning to the National League 2 North.

"We were waiting on the pitch for the other result to come in as we knew they had to lose as a draw was not enough," said Luctonians head coach Ryan Watkins.

"We wrapped up our game in the first 20 minutes and finished the first half 40-0. We did our best and were still on the pitch for five minutes looking at our phones but it wasn't to be and we now have a home play-off.

"We always knew it was going to be close looking at the fixtures and we tried to predict what the other teams would do.

"Most of our predictions were accurate and we finished the season on a really good run now the weather suits us.

"There were one or two games where had we picked up points we could have won the league.

"Over everything the way the squad has drawn back has been brilliant. We have enjoyed what we are doing and we are a lot better for it considering the average age of the squad is around 22.

"We have a lot of young lads who are getting used to winning. Most of the boys are staying next season, a handful are leaving us and we are hoping to bring a handful in."

Luctonians have finished the season on a run of eight victories closing the gap on runaway league leaders Scunthorpe to a single point.

Lucs latest win saw Owien Harriot-Davis, Drew Cheshire, Louis Silver and Rob Bengry all run over a brace of tries each.

Also crossing the whitewash was Loz Breese, Isaac Fanueli, Joe White and Josh Watkins while Silver kicked 10 conversions.

After such a big victory Watkins says his side are confident ahead of their play-off tie.

"The boys are confident and it is a good feeling to be in a good place for such a big game," added Watkins.

"All the boys are looking forwards to it. It was important for us to get that home play-off and it will be a big game and big occasion.

"We will be expecting a big crowd and it will be the biggest the club has seen for a long time. With that brilliant support it will be hard for anybody to come and beat us.

"Blaydon will have to travel around five hours to us so the home advantage was important."

Meanwhile Luctonians Colts exited the National Colts Cup at the semi-final stage following a 51-0 defeat against Wharfedale RUFC Colts.