Sat 21 Dec 2024
Trimble Hat Trick Brings Seaons Joy to Legends
By Ian Kite
Another back line combination, which showed the depth and versatility of talent and skill available to coach Basra, took only a moment to settle. With the return of Titherington the Letchworth travelling support hoped Legends would get behind the defence ball in hand. The pace of Trimble from full-back would surely be a threat and the pace and power of Asiedu and Johal on the wings would finish. Gibbs’ return to scrum half would open the game and the conditions be conducive to Letchworth’s running game. And so it was. Johal opening the score in the first attack. It was only a few minutes later that Tim Hughes drove over for a second, Sharp converting. Kwaku Asiedu then kept up his scoring momentum. Once in space he is a hard man to drop. Sharp converted from wide. 0 v 17
In the second quarter Bedford got their wind and a trail of penalties gave them possession and territory, it was inevitable they would score, Andrew Ince crossing from close range. Sam Valpy added six more from penalties and Tom Lewis took a card. This referee, strict on the high tackle and penalising dominant scrums kept Bedford in the contest.
Johal scored another and it looked like Legends would pull away but they were held out by a determined defence and were thwarted by a series of penalties. In the second half the wind had Bedford pinned in their 22 and it was just a matter of time before the lead was increased. Max Trimble at full back obliged, running in three with Sharp converting two. In the last ten minutes Legends conceded twice but it had all been over by half time. Christopher Gibbs found some space down the blind side, beat four and scored to round off a splendid performance. Sharp converting.
The wind played a role which Letchworth controlled in the first and used in the second. A couple of kicks were over hit but Sharp put Bedford under constant pressure. In loose play Asiedu and Trimble took advantage, Trimble’s pace and footwork, Johal and Asiedu’s power all making ground breaking tackles to put the pack on the front foot.
The scrum was excellent but needs to control the shove, penalised several times for not driving straight when Bedford had the reversing lights blinking. Despite this Legends won a number of scrum penalties and Sharp’s boot gave Letchworth possession and territory. A little less enthusiasm at the break down would have taken momentum and score well beyond 50.
Bedford were good for their 23, Charles Darlow and Ryan Taylor took their chances but Athletic failed to gain a bonus. They were weak in the centers and outpaced on the wing, but competed in the loose. Letchworth are hard to break down but susceptible in broken play, especially through channel one.
Titherington added some pace and guile, he has a very safe pair of hands and found Asiedu, Johal and Trimble who took full advantage. Trimble ran from deep and scoring those three tries capping a fine performance and the Player of the Match Award.
Peasnall and Wilcock work well in the second row, and add a bit of thump through the phases. Robinson, Hughes and Turner took the plaudits against a hefty front row, Mongston ran well, although took chances across the pitch. Letchworth are a good side but could do with some continuity. On the other hand players can step in and do well, the systems are well coached. Basra’s coaching team have been together for a number of seasons, the players are fit, well drilled, mobile and skillful. Letchworth can score from anywhere.
Their next game is at Legends’ Lane on the 4th January 2025 v Amersham&Chiltern who smashed Tring 33 v 12. It will be a competitive encounter despite the disparity in league positions.
