LUCTONIANS can feel hard done by in their narrow defeat to Sedgley Park as they look to climb away from danger in National League 2 North.

The Kingsland side played almost the entire game in their opponents' half and, had a couple of decisions gone their way, they could have secured a vital win.

Some controversial penalty awards went against them which, coupled with indiscipline and handling errors, handed the initiative to Sedgley, who won 22-17.

Lucs took an early lead at Mortimer Park through Owen Davies, who had a fine game.

Sam Boxhall added the extras, but Sedgley managed to score on their first foray into Lucs' half when Daniel Maher forced himself over from a rolling maul.

Josh Watkins extended Luctonians' lead when he was driven over, with Boxhall again adding the conversion.

But the away side were superb in defence throughout and with only their second attacking move, scored again through Maher.

Matt Riley's conversion meant that Lucs only held a two-point advantage at the break.

Sedgley Park started the second half with more purpose, but Lucs were belying their lowly position and were playing some excellent rugby.

However, Andy Riley spotted a gap in their back line to allow Callum McShane to run through and score; Matt Riley again adding the conversion.

That game the away team the lead for the first time and, despite dominating at set pieces, Luctonians could not get through their opponents' defensive line and Riley's penalty extended Sedgley's lead.

The home crowd willed Lucs on for the final few minutes, especially when Hallam Chapman was yellow carded for the away team.

But Lucs had to settled for a losing bonus point, achieved thanks to Louis Silver's penalty.

This Saturday, Luctonians go to mid-table Sheffield Tigers.