A HAT-TRICK of tries from man of the match Charlie Grimes helped Luctonians to a 47-15 victory against Old Redcliffians.

Like most of the country Mortimer Park was bathed in sunshine and temperatures well into the high 20s making for a tough afternoon for players of both sides.

Old Reds were first out of the blocks from the kick-off when Lucs were pinged for an infringement, Ashley Groves slotting over for a 0-3 lead.

But the home side’s confidence was high, and they were awarded a penalty try after a dominant scrum display having been camped from the restart in Old Reds danger zone.

The Reds were making life hard for Lucs early doors and Harry O’Donnell juggled a loose ball from open play to touch down just minutes later, with Groves again converting for a 7-10 lead on nine minutes.

However, Luctonians then took control and home hooker Ben Link crashed over for his fourth try of this young season, following pressure from Lucs forwards, with Louis Silver adding the extras after 15 minutes (14-10).

Home winger Grimes then took centre stage with the first of his three tries when Silver’s dink kick allowed him to race onto the bouncing ball to score, Silver himself converting (21-10).

And Grimes secured the try bonus point for Lucs and added to his tally just before half-time when the hosts scored an excellent team try, moving the ball fluently across the field to see him dot down in the corner and send the black and whites in 26-10 to the good.

Lucs started the second half with the same momentum they finished the first, with Lewis Parkes riding tackles after being put through by Harry Whiteman’s deft inside pass, Silver again converting to lead 33-10.

The game was then controlled by the home side as they kept Old Reds contained in their own half without overexerting in the oppressive heat. And it wasn’t until lock Whiteman was shown a straight red card for alleged foul play for the home side on 67 minutes that Old Reds added to their tally. Kacy Pike touching down following a line out drive (33-15).

Lucs however were resilient despite being down to 14 and played some excellent rugby in the final quarter.

Grimes then scored an early contender for try of the season after he collected a pass in his own half and brushed aside and outpaced numerous Old Reds to score in what was an excellent way to round off his hat-trick, with Tom Jones converting that made it 40-15.

Lucs weren’t done and Caleb Montgomery, on his home debut, finished the hosts’ scoring after more heavy pressure, with Jones again converting for a 47-15 result.