Luctonians 49 pts Droitwich 3

LUCTONIANS comfortably defeated visitors Droitwich, a side several leagues below them, in the first round of the National Intermediate Cup on Saturday.

It was a typical cup match with Droitwich having a valiant tilt at Luctonians in the fervent hope of producing a shock.

At half time, with the score at 13-3, they were still in touch. But the home team's all-around superiority gradually prevailed and six unanswered tries in the second half were a fair reflection of the difference between the sides.

Luctonians started badly by conceding two penalties, the first of which Droitwich centre Matt Blackmore converted.

Luctonians centre Roger Chilman replied with two well-struck penalties and had a productive afternoon. He finished with a 19-point haul after adding a try and four conversions.

A period of sustained pressure led to Luctonians' first try in the 35th minute when full-back and captain Will Crawforth forced his way over the line and Chilman converted.

The first 10 minutes of the second half saw continued Droitwich resistance but they eventually cracked and a steady stream of Luctonians tries resulted.

Fly-half Anton Pilli claimed the first with one of his hallmark interceptions. The Australian has added an extra dimension to the Luctonians attack this season and his size and strength enable him to stand up in the tackle and wait for support to continue movements.

The third try came from a lineout ball well won by young lock Tom Powell, having his first outing. The pack drove over and number eight Andrew Morris was accredited with the touchdown. Morris quickly added a second try with a fine individual effort. Isolated on the right touchline, he chipped over the Droitwich defence to collect the ball and cross halfway out. Chilman missed the conversion but quickly made amends with a try of his own which he duly converted.

A concerted series of attacks by the Luctonians backs eventually allowed centre Jon Goodwin to stroll over almost unopposed.

In the closing minutes Droitwich were encamped on the Luctonians line, seeking a consolation try. But the home team stole the ball and, in a movement that swept the length of the field, Crawforth was on hand to take the final pass and score his second try. A Chilman conversion completed the scoring.

l This Saturday Lucto-nians play Kenilworth at Kingsland after the Warwickshire club generously agreed to a switch. Luctonians will travel to Kenilworth on March 9 for the return, releasing their ground for Hereford-shire Schools Sevens.