LUCTONIANS head coach Ryan Watkins believes a week off is what his side needs before they renew their fight to stay up in National League 2 North.

The Mortimer Park outfit – who narrowly lost 25-20 to Sheffield at the weekend – are next in action on March 3 when they entertain leaders Sale.

"I think the lads deserve a bit of a break because they've put in a lot of effort recently, "said Watkins.

"They can then come back refreshed and face Sale at home, where the pressure will be on them because they're looking to go up.

"I don't think they will take us for granted though because we've beaten them a couple of times and we tend to get results against them."

Watkins felt his team were unlucky to lose against Tigers.

"We played really good rugby and they even they said they couldn't believe they got away with it," said Watkins.

"We were probably the better team but didn't score enough points in the the first half when we were really dominant.

"We created enough chances, but have got to be more clinical.

"But at least we're creating chances, whereas before Christmas, we weren't even doing that

"So we have something to work on."

Luctonians opened the scoring with a Seb Robinson try before Guy Kirkby added another, which was converted by Sam Boxhall.

Lucs had a chance to extend their lead with a penalty, but Boxhall's attempt was off target.

Sheffield Tigers then slotted over a three pointer through Ireland before scoring their first try of the afternoon.

Back came Lucs, with Boxhall's penalty putting them 15-8 ahead.

The Tigers brought the game all square with a converted try before extending their lead to 20-15.

Lucs hit back again with a try of their own, but the home team would go on and win the game.

Watkins added that there are no new injuries within the squad and is hopeful that Aiden Cheshire and Henry Monkley will be back in contention for the Sale match following hip and head injuries respectively, while Zac Watkins will also be back following suspension.

"Adam Clayton is also available, which will be a big boost because he brings a lot of experience," said Watkins.