LUCS 28 – 10 BARNSTAPLE
A GAME DEFINED BY DEFENSIVE GRIT
Luctonians RFC vs Barnstaple RFC
Saturday 18th October 2025 – Mortimer Park
Match Report by Simon Green-Price
On Saturday, Luctonians claimed a hard-fought win over second-placed Barnstaple in a top-of-the-table clash dominated by errors but defined by defensive grit.
The hosts struck early when Tom Jones found a 40m touch from a penalty, and Jack Goodwin finished off the resulting maul. Jones converted. Lucs controlled the opening quarter, but Barnstaple roared back, capitalising on penalties to set up identical lineout drives. Brandon Moore and Viliame Kotobalavu both crossed, though Henry Sellick missed both conversions.
Barnstaple continued to press, but Luctonians’ defence, led by Harry Whiteman, held firm. A missed penalty from Sellick proved costly, and Lucs punished the lapse just before the break, with Whiteman scoring from another maul. Jones added the extras for a 14–10 lead.
Half Time Score
Luctonians RFC 14 – 10 Barnstaple RFC
The second half mirrored the first: scrappy, physical, and error-strewn. The turning point came with the introduction of Owien Harriott-Davis, whose breakdown dominance set up a three-phase move finished by James Mear in the corner. Jones converted.
Barnstaple’s frustration grew as they failed to convert territory into points.
Lucs sealed the bonus point when Jones kicked to touch from a scrum penalty, and captain Ben Link finished off yet another driven maul. Jones converted.
Full Time Score
Luctonians RFC 28 – 10 Barnstaple RFC
Luctonians will be happy with their dominant defence display, which has placed them 2nd in League. This Week Lucs travel to Cinderford, and will be looking for a strong performance to win on the road.
Star Man
James Mear
Luctonians RFC
On our Facebook page, you can check out the Live scoreline with a grandstand view of the try highlights, here.
Picture Credit – Andrew Hargraves. Luctonians (from previous game)