LUCTONIANS failed in their bid to win the North Midlands Cup for the first time when they lost 24-12 to lower-graded Aston OE in the final at Stourbridge.

Aston, who were beaten by Malvern in last season's final, became the first Great Birmingham club to lift the trophy since Camp Hill in 1994 and they also completed a league and cup double having won the Midlands Three West North title three weeks ago.

Luctonians, two divisions above Aston in Midlands One, were playing in their first final since 1975 and they took an early lead with a try from scum-half Steve Saint.

But Aston hit back with two penalties from fly-half Nick Langford and an unconverted try from winger Darren Gardner before the break and they held their lead throughout a tense second half.

Two further penalties from Langford increased Aston's lead to 12 points before victory was sealed with a try in the last minute of proper time from Glen Eager, their North Midlands county number eight, which Langford improved.

Luctonians had the consolation of completing the scoring when their skipper, lock Charlie Turner, crossed and full-back Jeremy Wheadon added the conversion but the score came too late for the Herefordshire club.