Westoe 14 - Luctonians 0
Jan
Luctonians promotion chase was halted when they were beaten by 14 – 0 by a committed and well
organised Westoe side who as a result recorded their seventh win a row. In high winds and freezing
temperatures on the north east coast it was the home side who adapted to the conditions much better and
in the end deserved their win. Lucs had the advantage of the strong wind and sloping pitch in the first half
but despite having an equal share of possession were unable to break down a solid home defence. Both
sides were fully committed and scoring opportunities were at a premium. Westoe possibly had the best
chance midway through the half when Lucs lost possession on their own line and when Westoe spun the
ball wide only a crunching tackle by Charlie Meredith prevented a possible score. Although Lucs were
shading the set pieces they were struggling to contain the opposition in loose play. The visitors did manage
to create a couple of half chances without really threatening to breach the home defence leaving it scoreless
at half time.
With the elements now in their favour Westoe made an early breakthrough when Lucs were penalised in
their own 22 metres and following a couple of lineouts in quick succession No 8 Ollie Stedman forced his
way over for the only try of the game. Lucs were finding it difficult to work the ball out of their own half to
relieve the building pressure. On 52 minutes a Mark Bedworth penalty increased the hosts lead after Lucs
were penalised for not releasing. Immediately from the restart Lucs created possibly their best chance of
the afternoon with a good passing movement only to be penalised at a crucial moment. Play was beginning
to become more rugged and feisty with the referee issuing several lectures to both sides. Lucs were
penalised for holding on allowing Bedworth a second penalty after 66 minutes. The Westoe fitness was
now beginning to show and aided by some refereeing decisions Luctonians began to lose some discipline
and conceded some cheap penalties. From one of these Bedworth kicked his third successful penalty with a
massive lick from the half way line. Just before the final whistle both sides were reduced to 14 men when
both Lucs Dan Smith and Westoe’s Chris Judson were sent off after a touch line altercation. Overall Westoe
deserved their victory as they played the elements much better but Luctonians also played their part in a
fiercely fought and compelling contest.
Team: W Hodnet, J Norris, W Richards, Alex James, C Meredith, W Burton, B Prior, A Marfell, G Thomas.
Richard Jones, A Davidson. W Graulich, Dan Smith, P Hulland, N Roy-Smith.
Replacements: Kyle Garner, J Morris, Owen Davies, Trevor Bufton, Sam Jones.
