Sat 1 Feb 2025
In R7 Tring did their best to upset Legends falling 17 v 11 in an uncompromising effort which predated Letchworth’s first defeat v ONS 34 v 37 There followed a run of poor performances with the back line muddled and the forwards failing to control possession. Since then the backs have settled, handling has improved and ball retention has enabled sweeping multi-phase attacks resulting in scores for Asiedu, Johal and Trimble.
Six of Tring’s seven wins have been at home and last time out Tring beat Sudbury 27 v 19. Legends will need to over-power their feisty pack from the off. After several weeks of competing against the weather as well as the opposition, Saturday was an improvement, sunny windless, although the pitch was heavy.
Max Trimble, Kwaku Asiedu and Arun Johal are forging a productive partnership, in defence and attack an interchange of positions provides defensive security and attacking options. Johal was not available this time out but Kaz Henderson filled in seamlessly.
These two clubs have long since been rivals. Last week Sharp, Streets and Titherington effectively sealed the middle channel, the breaks coming from close to rucks. Apart from an early break down the wing when Tring created an overlap, Kwaku drawn in and Trimble covering was out paced they consistently failed to cross the tackle line. The only other time Tring scored was when Legends were down to twelve. The defence was solid, Tring played sideways, and their crowd berated the referee in frustration.
Seven down after just a few minutes, Legends were determined to make amends. Gibbs and his pack fed Sharp left and right, Tring tackled but could not gain possession. Legends scored five unanswered tries, Sharp converting four. In the absence of Jones; Walker, Wilcock and Robinson drove. Walker had an excellent game, driving, tackling and winning the ball at lineout.
A couple of potentials went astray, Trimble hacking on fumbled at the last and Titherington couldn’t take an unsympathetic pass which bounced off his chest. But generally, Legends finished well.
Mongston was magnificent, all over the field, a real nuisance and a tackle that rattled the spectators teeth and drew shouts of ‘High’ from the partisan crowd on the touchline. He was dismissed in the third quarter, much to Tring's relief. Then Kwaku followed him and Wilcock joined them after what seemed an innocuous tackle across the shoulder. Tring finally managed a score from a scrum, their centre running through wide open spaces where the 'Three Amigos' would have been. The crowd were jubilant, Tring’s coach remarking. ‘Come on Tring they've run out of ideas.’ A wag in the crowd replied. ‘Yes, we’ve used them all up scoring.’
It was good natured on the touchline, not so on the pitch, Tring resorting to mud wrestling and in all there were seven cards. The Touch Line Hooligans held their breath as Stokes trotted on fresh from a six match ban and indeed he had to be restrained with Tring deciding they would win the fight if not the match.
They failed on both counts. By the end of the first quarter Legends were in control, the scrum was dominant and the backs ran, handled and made their tackles. The cover defence stifled any headway Tring made.
At the last Trimble cleared after some excellent work by Gibbs and chased his own kick, outpacing the cover to collect and finish. This score topped what was an excellent display. Streets and Titherington made their tackles, Titherington rounding off his contribution with a score. Streets ran straight breaking the line, busting the cover to top a fine performance under the posts and Oscar Robinson broke through a morass of players for his touch down moment. The lineout was better but not totally secure, nevertheless the driving maul was effective and kept the pressure on. Kaz Henderson who had a noteworthy return on the wing, ran powerfully and made his tackles. He too barged his way over.
Tring were forced to kick Legends covered effectively, the mud holding the ball; Trimble, Sharp and Titherington countered. Lewis again worked tirelessly and the front row had Tring's scrum under pressure throughout.
Elsewhere Oundle continued their march to level 4 and have probably condemned Amersham & Chiltern to level 6 next season 10 v 55. Bedford Athletic did themselves a power of good pipping Shelford 29 v 28 and Harpenden earned two points at home to ONS but lost 36 v 40. Hertford also took a point losing at Southend, 26 v 21 and Sudbury beat North Walsham 45 v 28. With five games remaining for most Oundle are 17/17 with sixteen try bonus points. Letchworth have two games in hand but trail by eighteen. At the bottom A&C are on 22, Bedford Athletic 12/12 are on 20. They are six and eight points adrift respectively but either could catch Harpenden who are on 28.
In Regional 2 Anglia, Westcliff look like they will be promoted unless Eton Manor can beat them in two weeks time. London Scottish Lions are favourites to win Regional 2 Thames. Colchester have had a tough time in National League 2 and may well be returning to level 5 next season 13/14 on just 17 points.
Letchworth entertain Amersham & Chiltern next week. There will be a lunch at 12:00 before the match, £30 per seat, call Les on 07827 373937 admission to the ground is free and there is a warm welcome in the Clubhouse. A great afternoon out for the family at North Herts premier sporting club.
