Sat 3 Feb 2024
This was another fine local Derby in the true spirit of the game.
A much improved Hertford side, put up a good battle at Legends Lane and were unlucky not to come away with at least a bonus point for their efforts. For Legends, it was another bonus point win with four good tries. Tom Jubb would also be pleased with the defence that the home side put up against some heavy Hertford pressure. Despite their long injury list, the visitors were in this battle till the last few minutes when a final late try put Legends more than a score ahead.
The first five minutes looked as if Letchworth would run away with this one as they were immediately in Hertfords 22 and a sniping run by Harvey Howman was taken up by Llewelyn Jones. The ball was quickly recycled and winger Jake Allen raced over for an unconverted try. Minutes later the Hertford winger was carded for a deliberate knock on and their hooker hobbled off. Max Heathman playing his last game for the club before departing for Australia, put up a fine performance to earn his colours tie and led a bullocking run but Hertford cleared their lines.
However Legends failed to kick on from their bright start and the penalty count rapidly rose in Hertfords favour, at one stage eight to one. Two of these were ably kicked by Hertford who had the breeze, the second being a monster from half way. Things looked even brighter for the Hoe Lane boys when a long pass from Josh Sharp was intercepted for a seven pointer.
At last Letchworth strung a good patch of play together and were awarded a penalty which Josh Sharp planted into the corner. Several drives to the Hertford line saw Luke Mongston over for a score converted by Sharp to make it 12/13 at half time.
With the breeze Letchworth were soon on the attack but good defence kept them at bay. However a big kick clearance was well fielded by Jake Allen who beat several opponents and fed Charlie Parkhouse who went over for a fine try which was unconverted. Hertford pulled it back to a one point game with another penalty but this was to be their last. Letchworth were beginning to stretch Hertford out wide and a great run by Titherington nearly saw Parkhouse through. With the away supporters baying for one last score from the visitors their talented centre Rudling made some good carries but Hertford were pinned into their half and could not work the ball down the field. A hefty punt by fly half Lemon went straight into Charlie Parkhouse’s bread basket and with space galore the speedy full back carved through the away defence before feeding Titherington to score a final bonus point try and break Hertford hearts. Now a two week break before a short trip to Shelford where they can hope to attempt the double on the Cambridge side.
Team from 1: Robinson, Heathman, Hughes K, Peasnall, Jones, Mongston, Fitts, Lewis, Howman, Sharp, Staddon, Titherington, Streets, Allen, Parkhouse
Subs: Wilcock, Hughes T, Valpy
