A DOGGED, RESILIENT, WELL ORGANISED LUCS TEAM
Hinckley RFC 19 vs 27 Luctonians RFC
Saturday 5th September 2026
Match Report by Geoff Vickress
Hinckley may have been looking at this fixture first up, thinking that after beating Lucs somewhat comfortably at home near the end of last season, when on their incredible unbeaten run which eventually saw them finish just behind the Black and Whites in the play-off chase, they were going to start this one with a similar result.
The pitch conditions for this game were somewhat different, with a fine grass covering despite the summer drought and not the mud bath that the teams had to endure back in April.
However, a dogged, resilient, well-organised and changed Lucs team from that fixture, with three debutants on the bench, secured a valuable away win in the first game of the season. It is a long way to go of course, until next April, but early signs are that we should be optimistic that Lucs should be up among the title contenders once again.
Lucs were in front early doors when scrum-half Owen Randell slotted over a penalty after only 3 minutes (0-3). Hinckley replied, getting their first points on the board from a William Callan try when their backs ran through the Lucs back line almost unopposed on 16 minutes to dot down under the posts, Matt Smith converting for a hosts lead of 7-3. And it was literally 5 minutes later when Hinckley scored an almost identical try, working the ball again well via their backs, breaking through the Lucs defensive line, this time for wing Will Cannon to score in the corner; conversion missed to lead 12-3 halfway through the first half.
Lucs showed their forward prowess to reduce the deficit just 5 minutes later, when a structured pick and drive in the hosts’ red zone was eventually rewarded with man of the match John Kelly driving over by the uprights, leaving Owen Randell with the simplest of conversions to bring the scoreline back to 12-10. The home side would rue their indiscipline when deep in Lucs territory after the restart when they knocked on, although Lucs defence was superb, and from the resultant clearance and follow-up play Lucs found themselves handily positioned in Hinckley’s 22, albeit without possession. The home side tried to run again from deep to gain territory but were adjudged to have obstructed play, and from the resultant penalty 25 metres out Owen Randell’s sweet right foot kicked Lucs into the lead (12-13). With 5 minutes to go to oranges, Lucs rode their luck as the home side turned the screws on their tryline as the clock wound down, with a couple of scrums going the home side’s way and a tap penalty all being repelled with a strong defensive line.
Half Time – Hinckley 12 – 13 Luctonians
Lucs were first to respond in the second half, with Hinckley having looked dangerous when moving the ball through their backline. A penalty awarded against the home side was kicked by Tom Jones from halfway deep into the home sides 22, and from 20 metres out Lucs trade-mark rolling maul saw captain Ben Link once again dot down to secure another 5 points score, Owen Randell again clipping the ball between the posts for a Lucs lead of 12-20 after 47 minutes.
And it was but 6 minutes later when a repeat driving maul from 15 metres out saw Ben Link again capitalise on Lucs strength in this area to add to their tally, Owen Randell again converting to give the Black and Whites a 10-27 lead. Lucs were now comfortable enough to give debuts to Rhodri King, Charlie Mason and Hari McDermott, and despite an injury to No. 10 Tom Jones, Hinckley scored the only points in the time remaining through Callan again when he strode through the Lucs back line, Smith converting with 10 minutes to play (19-27). The last 10 minutes were hugely entertaining, with both sides moving the ball looking for a breakthrough moment, but no further score was forthcoming for either side, and Lucs wrapped up a deserved win away, first game up of this 2026-27 season. Credit should be given to referee Mark Hyde, who had a fine game with the whistle.
Lucs are back at Mortimer Park this Saturday against Cinderford, who will be looking to avenge their defeat at home last weekend to Clifton in what is going to be a very competitive league.
Luctonians Man of the Match – John Kelly
