Sat 21 Sep 2024
Letchworth defended the Eagles end with a reshuffled back line Gibbs and Tee Gurere on the wings, Jake Allen in the centre, Parkhouse, Streets and Sharp as usual with Harvey Howman returning at scrum-half. The pack lost none of its venom, driving over from an excellent penalty line out drive. Tim Hughes completing, Sharp converting.
Athletic’s lively backs marshalled by Joshua Foster at fly-half were a threat throughout however, he missed several penalties to touch and momentum faltered. After one missed touch Letchworth won the scrum back and Gurere made good his return stepping inside to finish. 12 - 0
Streets and Gurere looked good with power and pace, Gurere looks confident after a long term injury. Asiedu will return next week which will give coach Basra a headache. Henry Robinson replaced Jake Allen at half time, Jake moving to the wing and Gibbs to scrum-half. Gibbs was lively and nipped in for a try midway through the second half. Sharp’s efforts to put his backs in space were undone by some excellent midfield line speed and tackling forcing Legends to go through unnecessary phases which slowed the ball. Athletic used this tactic through out which certainly kept the score in abeyance. Parkhouse was next, Streets intercepted and throttled to the 22m, recycled ball found Parkhouse who evaded two tackles. 17 - 0
Letchworth utilised their forward dominance, driving on from tackles and line out. Tim Hughes scored again from a line out maul. 24 - 0
In the next ten minutes Athletic put on the pressure scoring two tries Foster converting both. 24 - 14
The driving maul which worked so well last week against Harpenden made for less running rugby but was effective, Tim Hughes scoring twice more off the back of a line out maul. 34 - 14. Athletic stayed in the game and scored from a running move, Foster converting 34 - 21. Letchworth did not look like cutting away and looked a little disjointed, Robinson broke several times, Streets thumped up the field but the third a fourth phases ran out of momentum or were well confined by excellent Athletic tackling. However, they were caught looking wide when Gibbs darted short to score. Sharp converting. 41 -21. Kyle Hughes made the last score from a line out maul Sharp converting. 48 - 21
Letchworth continue the fine start and with backs Titherington, Asiedu, Johal and Robinson have the strength in depth to remain competitive throughout the season. The pack too with Wilcock, Walker, Schoeman, Stokes, Barrett, Wilkinson, Buchanan and Andy Young. It is essential the players not getting into the 1st XVIII get a game every week. They will all train but it is no substitute for match time. The 2nds and 3rds are yet to play a competitive game.
Community rugby has suffered from negative press which may have reduced recruitment but there are plenty senior male players at the Club, it is difficult to understand why, not only Letchworth but other local clubs cannot raise more than one side. Bedford Athletic Chairman Trevor Mulvaney voiced similar concerns at the excellent pre-match lunch. The next 2nd Team league match is not until 12th October, Letchworth 2nd XVIII v Epping Upper Clapton II. However, the tireless Nicky Hughes has organised a 2nd Team fixture v Oundle for the 28th September.
If you are a playing member or would like to join the Club and play come training at Legends Lane off Baldock Road (behind the leisure centre) on Tuesday or Thursday evening. Just come, bring you kit and enjoy expert coaching and excellent facilities.
Rugby Union is a great all round team sport for all shapes and sizes at all levels of skill, no one is turned away and everyone gets a game.
Follow this link to become a member: https://letchworthrugby.rfu.club/products
