SSE National League Two North Stourbridge 57, Luctonians 12

SUPER Stour ran in nine tries following a fabulous display of running rugby to leave Luctonians wondering what had hit them - writes Nick Pullen.

Stour came flying out of the blocks and bagged their opening try with a little more than a minute gone on the clock.

Early line-out ball was distributed down the back line for fly half Gary Dipple to force his way over.

There was no let-up for Luctonians as Stour latched onto further line-out ball, but this time adopted catch and drive tactics to send flanker  Ejike Uzoigwe over for a try.

Stour repeated the move on 21 minutes which reaped a third try, Nile Dacres being driven over on this occasion.

Scrum half Pete White then produced a piece of magic, dummying his way into space, he spotted a gap in Luctonians fragile defence and sprinted some 40 metres to score.

A fifth try followed on 33 minutes, this time Ben Barkley was sent over after Dipple made the initial break.

All five tries were confidently converted by winger Jamie Hearn to give Stour a commanding 35-0 lead, with the bonus point already well and truly in the bag.

Luctonians finally came to life right on the stroke of half time, full back John Morris scampering over for an unconverted try.

The second half started like the first with Stour scoring straight from the kick-off, this time second row Ben Hughes was sent over following  a flowing passing move.

Hearn also kicked the extras to this before being replaced by Matt Farrington, Tom Jarvis taking over the kicking duties.

Luctonians didn't hedlp themselves by spending 20 minutes of the second half down to 14 men as both hooker Chris Condliffe and then flanker Adam Clayton spent time in the sin-bin.

Stour went onto confirm victory with a couple of Nathan Bressington tries, while Pete White doubled his tally as well.

Luctonians showed some late defiance when winger Drew Cheshire intercepted to score a try which fly half Tom Jones converted.

Otherwise this was a very satisfying victory for Stour who easily nullified Luctonians pack, while looking a cut above in the backs.

More importantly, it means Stour keep the pressure on leaders Macclesfield as they remain just one point behind.

But Stour will have their title credentials tested to the full next Saturday when they travel to the impressive surroundings of third placed Darlington Mowden Park.