Sat 5 Apr 2025
The League had been won several weeks ago, Oundle managing the astonishing feat of accumulating 109 points from a possible 110. They will take their place in National League 2 East and as many commentators they are capable of doing well even pressing for promotion.
At Davey Field where Shelford enjoy excellent facilities Legends took on a young and energetic team who with the wind scored a try and a penalty against Letchworth's three and a goal. The dominance was clear, but Letchworth were held out by some determined defence. Letchworth battered away from short range with little result when after seven or eight attempts two passes would have put Streets, Johal, Asiedu or Gurere in sufficient space to make the line. Asiedu despite not receiving a pass from set play took his chances as the ball broke loose to score three. Such potent runners as Asiedu and Gurere were sadly under used.
The forwards did their thing, Jones, Wilcock and Robinson drove hard and Josh Walker gets better on the blind side. Tom Lewis had one of his quieter games but he never took a step back. Some woeful tackling kept Shelford in the game, their energy and pace always a threat. Midway in the second half though Johal smashed his opposite number, the loose ball gathered and moved put Asiedu in for his second after he had powered his way over from ten meters in the opening exchanges. For his third he again gathered a loose ball to drive to the line.
Unnecessarily complicated moves in the centre gave Shelford the chance to get back in the game, at 8 v 22 a missed timed inside pass from Sharp to Streets was collected, a couple of tackles slipped and a sprint, took the score to 13 v 22. Asiedu settled nerves with his second but Shelford when given the opportunity from mishandling gathered, got behind the defence and brought themselves back into contention 18 v 22.
The large crowd which had been subdued for much of the match were ecstatic and cried out at every tackle 'High'! and every Letchworth error 'Hooray'! but were silenced by that final Asiedu effort. With ten minutes on the clock and Letchworth in front 18 v 29 their last attacking efforts were dealt with and Sharp cleared his lines.
It was an entertaining contest, full of jeopardy, hard hits, elusive running and fine kicking. The standard from two community clubs outstanding. In the post match huddle senior coach Baz Basra praised the teams commitment and tenacity despite the game being effectively a “ dead rubber “ . He also thanked all involved throughout a great season and wished veteran winger “T” Gurure a happy retirement and Kaz Henderson who is moving north a “Bon voyage" . New skipper Josh Sharp then took the players aside to brief them about what would lie ahead in next seasons campaign... Watch this space!
Both Letchworth and Shelford will meet again next season, the younger Shelford side looking for revenge after being doubled losing the opening game to Letchworth 38 v 21.
