Sat 17 Oct 2026, 15:00
At about 4.35 in the afternoon, the crowd at Legends Lane was hushed. Old Scouts had fought back from a nineteen point deficit and now, with the final play of the game, had a chance to win it with a penalty near the ten metre line and a growing breeze to their backs. As the throng waited with bated breath, the Old Scouts kicker pushed it marginally to the left of the uprights and Letchworth were spared what would have been an embarrassing defeat.
In the absence of head coach Bas Bazra, skipper Josh Sharp pulled no punches. The penalty count against Legends in the second half was crippling and, indeed, the whole team had received a referee’s warning for indiscipline. With a reinvigorated Hertford side marching over the horizon next week, there can be no doubt that improvement in this area is vital. One area, though, that had improved was the defence, as Letchworth were under the cosh for long periods as Old Scouts enjoyed at least 70 per cent possession in the second half. Tom Jubb mentioned Will Titherington as man of the match for his outstanding defence.
Yet at the start, it almost seemed that the hosts would build a hefty score. The Old Scouts defence was unlocked by the Letchworth backs after only a few minutes, as Aman Johal fed fellow centre Titherington to go over, with the try converted by Sharp.
Following this setback, Old Scouts attacked the Letchworth line, but the defence held firm. Then a glorious mazy run from Josh Parkhouse from his own line cut the visitors in two, and Kwaku was on his shoulder to take the pass for the try of the game. Parkhouse was again the most dangerous back, and it was somewhat puzzling why he was called off later in the game. Legends went further ahead when Kwaku fed Aman Johal to score and, at half time and 19/0, all seemed well.
However, with a stiffening breeze behind them, Old Scouts had other ideas, and two quick scores in the third quarter brought them back to 19/12.
With a growing penalty count against them, it was the backs again who rescued the situation, with a fine move involving Aviss, Titherinton and Kwaku before Jai Johal dotted down to make it 24/12.
However, Old Scouts were not going away quietly, and a quickly taken penalty by the scrum half caught Letchworth napping: 24/19. Once more, the driving maul proved effective for the visitors and saw an equalising try and a yellow card for Mc Gown.
Letchworth had several late chances to go over but were foiled on each occasion, the harshest being an adjudged forward pass from Conor Turner to Kwaku, which could have won the game. Then Old Scouts broke out, and yet another penalty at the death could have sealed a memorable victory for them. Fortunately for Legends, it didn’t, but there is a deal of work to be done on the training paddock next week before next Saturday’s must win game.
