DEVONPORT Services will rue missed opportunities to secure a win against a miss-firing Luctonians as the hosts ground out a 12-5 victory in the gloom and cold at Mortimer Park.

Keeping the home side in pegged back in their own half for large periods of the second half, the visitors failed to press home their dominance and win what was a game short of entertainment value.

Lucs’ started the first half with gusto and looked like they might run away with the game, when after 10 minutes Bryn Goodhall was put through on halfway, and his deft inside pass to scrum half Owen Randell saw him scurrying over for the first points of the match (5-0), with the extras being missed.

And it was after 24 minutes when Lucs second row Owien Harriot-Davis added their second, following concerted Luc’s pressure he wormed his way through tacklers to dot down, Jack Park adding the extras for a 12-0 lead.

The home side probably should have driven home their advantage, as they had been in Devonport territory on numerous occasions in the first 30 minutes but failed to make it over the whitewash to add to their tally.

But Devonport would not roll over and the visitors dug deep giving the home side plenty to worry about with ball in hand.

Man of the Match, and No10, Richard Goldsby West, threw accurate passes out and setting up their back line and charging forwards with some very astute passing.

Lucs at time were well “under the pump“ and survived the remainder of the first half by the skin of their teeth, with their wing Charlie Grimes being yellow carded for what was an innocuous incident on half-time.

The second half started with Devonport playing some expansive rugby, Lucs’ uncharacteristically missing tackles and allowing their opponents to grow in confidence.

And it was no surprise when the visitors eventually get on the score sheet after just four minutes of the second half, wing George Pooley finishing off a flowing move across their back line in the corner, conversion missed (12-5).

And that was it as far as troubling the score board, neither side would add to their scores.

It was not for a lack of endeavour, especially from Devonport who spent long periods in Luc’s territory, often winning scrum penalties and taking advantage of the home sides handling errors.

The home side however defended stoutly and despite suffering a further two yellow cards in the last 10 minutes, full back Bryn Goodhall for a knock-on when attempting to intercept a pass, with Rob Bengry following after 81 minutes for a technical foul, they held out for a victory which they probably will be more than grateful for after what was a very uninspiring performance.

Devonport will travel home wondering what they have to do to secure their third win of the season.

Both sides will look to bounce back next weekend with Luctonians on their travels to Macclesfield, and Devenport hosting top four Cinderford.