Sat 13 Jan 2024
Revenge is a dish best served up with a hat full of tries!
So it was to prove that legends, turning point in the season happened at Oundle in early October when the team were read the riot act by head coach, Baz Basra, if improvements weren’t made, it was going to be in his words, "a very long season for all of us!"
Well, since then, improvements have certainly been made and from holding up the league from bottom position, Legends now find themselves third in the table, and seemingly improving every week as this display against Oundle at home was to prove. Defence coach, Tom Jubb might have a few words about the number of tries scored by the visitors, but certainly that could be no doubting the home sides intent to attack at every opportunity. The same could be said for the visitors who contained previous Letchworth favourite Sonny Maasi, and his England under 21 international brother.
Indeed experienced ex referee. Tim Wilson commented this was a superb attacking game, showing Junior rugby at its best with a young referee who allowed the advantage rule to let the game flow at every opportunity. This bright and dry January day was ideal for the brand of rugby both sides like to play. A deep early kick from Oundle was well fielded by Charlie Parkhouse who scythed through the defence before being brought down. Letchworth kept up the pressure and were rewarded with a kickable penalty which went to the corner for a catch and drive and five points to Legends thanks to feisty hooker Max Heathman soon to be seven with Sharps great conversion.
Oundle replied with a break through the middle through Maasi with their centre scoring under the posts to tie the scores. However the remainder of the first period was very much Letchworth who built considerable pressure before Harvey Howman, again voted man of the match by coach Basra, exploited the blind side to score a great try converted by Sharp.
Letchworth were fortunate that the large Oundle winger Horne knocked on from a kick when he would have been gifted a try had he caught it. The next score came with for Oscar Robinson pocket battleship prop dabbing down for another seven pointer, although Oundle added a penalty before half time at 21/10, Letchworth, were very much in control.
A long early kick by Parkhouse put the pressure on Oundle to clear from their goal line and shortly afterwards burly centre Rick Streets crashed through for a great score again converted and at 28/10 Letchworth had the bonus point. They weathered the storm that followed as Oundle did everything they could to get back in the contest. However having denied the visitors, Legends stormed up field and another forwards catch and drive with Heathman again emerging with the ball gave them an unassailable lead at 33/10.
However Oundle scored a fine try as the winger Horne picked up a long pass from the scrum half to go over unopposed and the kick was converted by fly half Young Minutes later an Oundle fumble in midfield saw Kaz Henderson seize the ball for an opportunistic wingers try 38/17. Letchworth’s final try was a peach as again Oundle were frustrated on the Letchworth line. From a great long pass Parkhouse stormed down to the Oundle end , drew the full back and put tireless centre Will Titherington in under the posts to make it 45/17.
The last ten minutes did belong to Oundle, but it was far too little too late. They had another try and then attacked with vigour but Josh Sharp took one for the team as he deliberately knocked on the scoring pass and spent the last 10 minutes watching from the sidelines. To no avail as Oundle scored a final bonus point try which they celebrated as if they had won to leave the score somewhat flattering to them 45/29, and only 16 points adrift!
So this convincing win leaves Letchworth in third place, only one point behind Sudbury, whilst Colchester seem clear and free to win this league. No matter a top four finish will certainly suit legends this year. They now have a week off before facing Huel Tring down in West Hertfordshire who will want to avenge defeat against them in October. The way the team are playing though means an away win is a distinct possibility! Watch this space...
Team from 1: Robinson, Heathman, Hughes K, Jones, Peasnell, Mongston, Fitts, Lewis, Howman, Sharp, Henderson, Streets, Titherington, Gibbs, Parkhouse C
Subs: Hughes T, Wilcock, Valdy
