LUCTONIANS came fighting back from 28 points down at the break to pick up a losing bonus point following a 31-26 defeat at Exeter University.

Exeter came into the game looking for a response following a defeat at Taunton the previous weekend.

The hosts were quickly on the scoreboard with James Boylan crossing the whitewash and Benjamin Mills kicking the extras.

Exeter then took control of the game with Isaiah Akpovwa scoring a first half brace of tries, both converted by Mills.

To make matters worse for the travelling Lucs they were reduced to 14 men as Caleb Montgomery was sent to the sin-bin for a high tackle.

Exeter were not finished and Elijah Taylor scored a fourth converted try to seal a bonus point as the half ended 28-0.

With the return of Montgomery the Lucs replied six minutes after the break when Joel Middleton scored from a rolling maul.

Luctonians were buoyed even further on 57 minutes when they were awarded a penalty try and drew back to 28-12.

The visitors were back to within nine points on 64 minutes when Jack Goodwin scored Luctonians third try, converted by Owen Randell.

However, Exeter extended their advantage back out with Jacob Shortland kicking a vital penalty.

Luctonians had the last say when Montgomery made up for first earlier infringement by crossing the whitewash, converted by Randell.

Ryan Watkins’ side face another tough challenge this weekend when they face sixth placed Redruth with just two points separating the sides.

In a relentless part of the season Luctonians are also in action the following week when they travel to fourth placed Taunton Titans.