Sat 10 Oct 2026, 15:00
The old saying goes: it is forwards who win games, then the backs dictate by how much…. For the first twenty-five minutes, it seemed this was going to be a landslide, a mighty backlash after two narrow defeats in high-scoring games against tough opponents, with forwards winning great ball and the backs executing penetrating runs on the hapless Seasiders…. However, within minutes, Legends lost their two biggest forwards to injury… returning giant Tom Jubb, for the past five years a coach, given permission to play again, and inspiring vice captain Llewelyn Jones, master of the carry and mass destruction. Southend now came back into the picture, with their heavy pack causing real problems, and the lighter Legends pack had to scrap for everything they could get.
Step up front row of Oscar, Rambo and Conor, with new boys Tom Murphy and Luke Wiggett, Sam Philips and later Archie Barrett. Biggest shout out, though, to Frazer Mc Gown, who really came of age in this match and had a mighty game and also took over the captaincy when Josh Sharp went off. His last-minute yellow was really a travesty but didn’t detract from Baz Basras forward of the match. Likewise, it was the hard work and defence of Tom Aviss at scrum half, having his best game for many match, that outshone the local two sets of brothers…. Parkhouses Charlie and Josh, mercurial runners again scoring five between them for fun, and the Johals Aman and Jai, who put in immensely superior performances on their second home outing. Also, new winger Logan Noble showed good skills when he replaced Kwaku in the second half. As Basra said, there is plenty still to work on with three tough games on the bounce…. But didn’t winning feel good?
As mentioned, the first quarter was a real purple patch for Legends, with five tries coming from Josh Parkhouse (2), Aman Johal, Tom Aviss and Kwaku, with a solitary Southend penalty. (All this can be viewed on YouTube: Have you Heard Letchworth v Southend.)
However, the Seasiders regrouped and played to their forward strengths, so half time the gap had closed to 31-17.
The visitors sensed a comeback and nearly scored again, but nerves were settled when veteran hooker Rambo Hughes crashed over to take it to 38-17.
Then a quick penalty taken by skipper Josh Sharp saw Charlie Parkhouse slice through. Minutes later, he fed brother Josh for his hat trick, and the home side were home and dry despite several Southend scores towards the end. A final score from Charlie Parkhouse took the total to 59 points, with Jai Johal converting, having taken over fly half duties for the captain and showing some lovely skills. Must also mention Will Titherington, who, although not on the score sheet, had another strong game in the centre.
So, two more home games in the next two weeks, with lunches before both Northampton Old Scouts (17th) and Hertford (24th).
Support at lunch this week was sparse, so come on all you followers, get phoning Teresa on 07783 955049 and book your places NOW.
AND A BIG SHOUT OUT FOR OUR THIRD TEAM WINNING AWAY TRING 27-17… separate match report to follow.
