Match Reports

Luctonians 36 v 0 Longton 1st XV

Longton’s 7 game unbeaten run came to a shuddering halt as they were comprehensively beaten by a committed Luctonians side on a heavy pitch at Mortimer Park. Longton were without 8 first team players but nothing should be taken away from a strong performance by the home side, particularly the forwards.

A crippling injury and unavailability list in the backline forced flanker Kieran Healey into the centre with Scott Rawlings replacing Chris Buck in the unfamiliar fly half spot. The back 3 saw 2 further changes from the last few weeks and as a result Longton never got going, both in attack or defence.
It was clear from early on that Longton were up against it as Luctonians looked sharper and more enthusiastic in virtually every aspect of the game.

Basic errors from Longton and strong defence from Luctonians saw the visitors rarely threaten and a series of strong forward drives gave the home side the ascendancy.

Luctonians took an early lead with a Simpson penalty, having already rattled the post with an even earlier effort and from one of a number of seemingly needless penalties given away by Longton scored a try from a catch and drive lineout through hooker Byron, Simpson converting. At 10-0 down Longton enjoyed their best spell of the game, camping in the Luctonians 22 for 10 minutes and narrowly being denied a try on at least 2 occasions from rolling mauls. On at least one occasion it is debatable as to the legality of the Luctonians defending as the mauls somehow went to the ground when in full flow metres from the line but having repelled Longton’s best efforts the home side seemed galvanised.

In a passage of play that summed up Longton’s day a promising forwards surge with a couple of strong ball carries saw the ball eventually released but the lack of cohesion behind the scrum was highlighted when the resulting pass went to ground under no pressure, leading to a 60 metre hack on and chase by Luctonians leading to another converted try and a 17-0 halftime lead for the home side.

Longton’s cause was further hampered in the 2nd half by injuries to 2nd row Rich Kelly and winger Phil Jones leading to further re-organisation. The half was a relatively scrappy affair but the Luctonians pack were now well on top and were rewarded with 2 push over tries by Hulland and a last play try from prop Marfell who emerged from a ruck 10 metres out to cross for the games final try.

All in all a comprehensive defeat and a reality check for the Longton team. The injuries and unavailability certainly didn’t help but cannot be blamed for a lethargic performance where Longton never got out of first gear. Some hard words were spoken afterwards and the players were left in no uncertain terms that the level and intensity needs to be significantly raised both in training and on match day if the season is to end positively. A reaction is required this week, and with a few bodies hopefully back the incentive to knock over 2nd place Bromsgrove and erase the memory of the last minute horror show defeat earlier in the season is there.

Director of Rugby Tony Wheat said “ Luctonians were by far the better side today and deserved their win. They were more committed and determined than us which is the most disappointing thing. Everyone has injuries during the season and today we were struggling but that doesn’t excuse the performance we put up. The coaches and captain have made it quite clear what they expect from the players this week and maybe a reality check might be timely. The intensity and determination from the Ampthill game was totally lacking today and we need to get it back and quickly as Bromsgrove will be tough. The players are honest enough and they know they didn’t perform today, so the challenge is to pick it up again next week. Well done to Luctonians, they played well and as ever we enjoyed the hospitality at Mortimer Park”.