Bedford Athletic 13 pts Luctonians 35.

A DEVASTATING second-half performance at Bedford Athletic was enough to earn Luctonians a convincing victory and maintain their position at the top of the Midlands 1 league table.

Bedford, who are known for their attacking style of play, started the better of the two teams and after making inroads into the visitors' defence, home outside-half Chris Meehan slotted a penalty after Luctonians were penalised for entering the ruck from the side.

The Kingsland club replied with an unconverted try through Kiwi centre Cameron Hewitt who burst through from an inside ball on 19 minutes to take Luctonians in front at 5-3.

Bedford regained the lead 6-5 through Meehan's boot following another Luctonians indiscretion at the breakdown, this time leaving their feet.

Luctonians’ outside-half Brett Prior dragged his drop goal attempt wide but by this time the visitors were beginning to get the upper hand. Eventually, after considerable forward pressure, the visitors’ number eight Paul Hulland used his powerful frame to burst over the tryline.

The conversion was missed but Luctonians took a narrow 10-6 advantage into the interval.

Stern words from the Luctonians management team had the desired effect and the visitors took to the field in determined mood.

Their concentration paid off when wingers Andy Garrod and Pete Smith combined in midfield to allow Smith to race under the posts and allow Garrod, who had taken over the kicking duties, to convert for a 17-6 advantage.

Luctonians were dealt a blow when scrum-half Oliver Williams was yellow-carded for a late tackle but the Mortimer Park men did not lose focus and extended their lead yet again courtesy of another powerful score from number eight Hulland.

Garrod converted to bring the scores to 24-6.

The visitors were enjoying considerable possession by now and extended their lead on 66 minutes with a try and conversion from Garrod after he crossed in the corner.

Bedford did take advantage of some Luctonians complacency late on which allowed elusive scrum-half Matt Ireland to cross with just four minutes left.

Meehan added the conversion but it was little consolation for the hosts, who were unable to deal with the pace and power of the visitors' attacks.

This Saturday, Luctonians host Chester in a league encounter.

The clubs last met two seasons ago in the first round EDF National Trophy.

Luctonians finished on top 27-16 that day but the Cheshire club are known to produce big forward packs which will prove a stern test of the Herefordshire club's title hopes.