LUCTONIANS thirds also came away with silverware from North Midlands Finals day in the Shield competition.

After having lost to Evesham (36-13) and beaten Bromyard (33-27) they were drawn against Bridgnorth seconds (Bulls) in the Plate Final.

The sides had played each other in two close league games during the season with Luctonians finishing three positions higher in 5th.

The game was a nervy affair with Luctonians not taking advantage of their fitter and more mobile team on a perfect surface for running rugby.

Joe Whitehead opened the Lucs account with a penalty in the fifth minute and it was the increasingly impressive Colts prop, Sam Thomas who barrelled his way over in the 25th minute from a ruck to score the first try, Whitehead converted.

Luctonians had plenty of ball and were keen to move it into the wider channels but handling mistakes thwarted their attempts.

The Lucs’ pack worked well in the loose with veteran Trevor Bufton and his second row partner, the giant James Rutherford (joint Players of the Match) making repeatedly big carries into and through the opposition defence.

It was Bufton who scored on 55 minutes with an unconverted try. On the hour mark Freddie Ralph sliced through the outside backs to make a 50-metre run that climaxed with him stepping the fullback to score and give Whitehead an easy conversion.

This was his last act of the game as in a case of mistaken identity he was sent to the bin for another’s high tackle.

Bridgnorth were a big side and Lucs front row of Sam Thomas, Dave Jennings and Tom Sankey did an excellent job in the set piece.

It was a first North Midlands Finals win for Luctonians thirds and they played their part in a fantastic day for the club, but the winning 22-19 score flattered Bridgnorth.