Sat 16 Nov 2024
These two great old rivals have been sparring together since January 1933 and so it was not surprising that Saturdays clash threw up a classic of the best of Herts rugby and one of the most intense encounters between the two sides for many a year after Legends clean sweep last season.
The victory however came at a cost to the North Herts side as star back Charlie Parkhouse left the field for the Lister Hospital with a detached collarbone in the second quarter and will be sidelined for at least three months. It had been a most hospitable lunch at Hoe lane but Hertford were determined not to extend that to the field of play and so it proved in the first quarter .
Letchworth were rocked on their heels in the first ten minutes, Hertford punching clear close to a ruck, breaking tackles, a short pass to the support and they were in under the posts. A similar try followed only a few minutes later. Ten minutes in, 14 v 0 and Letchworth had not had the ball or been in Hertford's half.
Sharp took advantage of several penalties and worked the team up the field. Once on the ball Letchworth started to look their usual selves, driving phases created space and Henry Robinson, returning from injury nipped in. Hertford fly Davies kept Hertford in front with a faultless display of kicking. He slotted four penalties and three conversions, it was not quite enough but at 23 v 21 at half time to the home side Hertford were in the match and looking to win.
In the second quarter Parkhouse, who later left the field with his injury, had scored, then Streets, Sharp converted both. In the second half, Hertford's young and athletic pack made some in-roads but the powerful driving of Jones, Lewis and Walker, replaced by Wilcock who provided much of the same had Hertford pressed in their 22m. It was not long before Sharp, now expertly choosing his moments to run, drifted outside Lemon, shouldered centre Rudling out of the way to score and convert 23 v 28. It was a fine spell for Legends and Gurure who came on for Parkhouse muscled his way over, then Asiedu did much the same. Legends had control and led 23 v 38.
Davies though slotted a couple of penalties and their rangy lock Melton broke several tackles to set up a counter. Hertford scored a third try with Davies converting. Hertford heads had been down but now they saw a chance. They put Letchworth under the cosh with exuberant running and rumbling forward play. At 33 v 38 with ten left on the clock the large Hertford crowd bayed for a score.
Indeed several times Hertford broke through what was an inconsistent defence threatening to spoil Letchworth's afternoon, Asiedu smashed his winger twice and shook the boots off a kick receiver. It was with some relief at the final whistle. Hertford will be disappointed not to have earned a try bonus point to add to their losers bonus.
Letchworth did the job, picked up another five points and remain in second place. Old Northamptonians lost at home to Bedford Athletic and have now drifted eleven points off leaders Oundle, eight behind Letchworth. It is a rest weekend next Saturday and then North Walsham come to Legends Lane on the 30th November. A game that Letchworth will hope prepares them for their trip to leaders Oundle on the 7th December. The second team also came away with a 20/17 victory at Hertford including a fine try after a mesmeric run by Andy Young. There will be a lunch prior to the North Walsham game on 30th November and all potential diners should contact Les Wilsher on 07827 373937.
Team from 1: Robinson, Hughes K, Turner, Jones, Walker, Mongston, Fitts (C), Lewis, Gibbs, Sharp (VC), Asiedu, Parkhouse, Streets, Johal, Robinson
Replacements: Hughes T, Wilcock, Gurure
