Sat 22 Feb 2025
FOUR TRY JONES SINKS SUDBURY!
Llewelyn Jones has been missing from the Legends ranks for a few games now but certainly made up for it on Saturday as Sudbury buckled in the second half …. And after that our hero swept the sheds!
Legends made ground from the off, Mongston running across the pitch, then straightening. In the tackle Sudbury lost a player to a wrist injury. Sudbury attacked the scrum, Mongston buying the dummy cemented a man off the ball. The penalty gave Sudbury territory, but they failed to capitalise. The Sudbury full-back jeered at every mistake, Jones shut him up, scoring from short range.
Some sideways play, poor passing and excellent defence kept Sudbury out in an even looking contest.
A penalty lineout maul and some excellent driving from Streets gave Jones his second.
A missed tackle let Sudbury in, and then after the re-start a long kick to the Letchworth 5m was taken quickly, Sudbury trotted in under the posts. On even terms, Sudbury looked the better side.
But poor handling stifled a Sudbury break, frustrations boiled and Streets and his opposite number both took a chair. Sudbury took advantage of the extra space beating a tackle in midfield scored under the posts to the delight of their bench. More 'to and fro' ended at half time.
or Sudbury 21 v 14 was never going to be enough defending the slope and the breeze, Legends controlled for ten phases or more and Henderson finished the move to the crowds dismay.
Jeering crowds are one thing but it is a pity to hear players and coaches decrying their fellows. It is unedifying and unnecessary. It is disrespectful of men who are putting their bodies on the line. There is little applause these days, yet Gibbs had a magnificent game, as did Jones, Mongston and Titherington. The Sudbury backrow were superb in the tackle and their fly-half opened the game their wingers took the ball on. There were some splendid running breaks, jeered as the mistake was made or forced. Five converted tries to three made for a great match which should have been appreciated as the sun and lack of rain provided the conditions for running rugby missing for the last three weeks.
The game is getting soft though, Stokes carded for a magnificent hit across the chest. The Letchworth pack worked hard and it is significant the Jones scored four from rumbling rolling mauls set up by Sharp’s unerring boot.
Few sides have the answer for Legends combination of driving running rugby, conceding penalties which provide the territory. Lineout inaccuracy too often provides the escape but enough possession and land is gained for this to matter little except against the best sides.
Henderson is getting back to his best, a powerful runner he worked well with Johal and later Gurere covering several long well placed kicks. Gibbs ran, eluded and always made ground. Streets punched up the middle as did Hughes. Tommy Wilcock drove hard alongside Robinson, Walker, Lewis and Jones. Andy Young joined the pack and Gibbs moved to scrum-half - the changes added impetus and by the final quarter Sudbury were a well beaten side.
The results this week have made little difference to the table, Oundle retain their eight point lead and Bedford Athletic who did not play this weekend will be relieved to have Amersham&Chiltern beaten at home by next week’s Letchworth opponents Hertford. They both look certain to be playing Level 6 next season. Although that could change if A&C can beat Harpenden this week. Tring completed a dismal February with their third defeat at Southend 38 v 10.
The postponed games are all played and with four matches remaining Oundle will certainly be promoted. Letchworth will want to spoil their perfect season on the 22nd March at Legends’ Lane. This week Legends host Hertford with a Colts curtain raiser it will be a wonderful day of rugby. Kick-offs are 12:00 and 15:00 under floodlights.
