A STUBBORN Luctonians defence helped their side to a 29-17 victory over Loughborough Students.

Lucs’ who have conceded the least points of any side in the National League 2 West came from behind after Alex Wainwright opened the scoring after 16 minutes through a penalty.

However, the visitors crumpled under pressure when Lucs drove the Students’ scrum off their own defensive ball allowing tight head Joe White to dot down the loose ball for the home side to lead 5-3 after 20 minutes.

Loughborough deservedly replied on 31 minutes with George Worthington running through to put them ahead; Wainwright converting to lead 5-10.

But the teams went into half-time level, after James Wheeler took a pass off the back of another Lucs driving maul, to step inside to dot down for a 10-10 level scoreline at the break.

The home side came out all guns blazing after the break when Josh Watkins, with his usual grace, skipped through to touch down after 44 mins (15-10).

Despite having plenty of possession the Students allowed the home side to increase their lead when Owien Harriott-Davis, powered his way over crashing through tackles to add to their lead; Louis Silver converting for a 22-10 lead.

Loughborough attempted to respond and were awarded a penalty try for their endeavours, to bring them back within five points at 22-17 with 10 minutes to play.

Luctonians stood their ground not allowing Students any say in the final 10 minutes. The home support was bouncing when replacement scrum half Josh Nott sealed the win at the death, when he sniped through from the back of a ruck; Louis Silver converting to give the home side a hard-earned bonus point victory 27-17.