LUCTONIANS Rugby Club's hopes of promotion to Powergen National Three (North) ended in a 17-3 defeat at the hands of a powerful Macclesfield side.

The play-off at Kingsland was settled by a Tom Davenport try in the first half and two Gary Bell penalties in either half as the Kingsland side found themselves out-muscled.

Full back Jeremy Wheadon struck a consolation penalty for the Midland One runners up in the second half but club secretary Huw Davies admitted their visitors had been simply too strong.

"We were outclassed to be honest and were not at the races," he said.

"Macclesfield had a pack that overpowered us, gave us a torrid time in the scrum, punished our line-out and won their own line-out quite comfortably.

"They were too big and strong and streetwise. We never had decent clean possession to feed our backs and their defence was pretty good.

"Their backs didn't look quite as dangerous but their defence was solid.

"We were never in the game but our spectators applauded a brave effort."

Lucs have enjoyed meteoric success since 1993-94 when they were playing in North Midlands One and have moved up five levels in just nine years.