Sat 21 Jan 2023
The long trip to Beeston Hyrne had been viewed as a potential banana skin by players and coaching staff alike. Sitting at the top of the league you are there to be shot down and mid-table teams such as Norwich could certainly cause an upset and so it proved. The Norfolk side had their noses in front at half time and while at the end Letchworth were seeking a bonus point, Norwich were very much in the hunt and nearly sneaked it had it not been for a superb steal by Oscar Robinson under the visitors posts, enabling Josh Sharp to clear from the dead ball area.
Letchworth spluttered and were not at their best, and gave away too many penalties - albeit from a pedantic whistler - but they did win through despite all this which is the mark of a durable side and take their unbeaten run to thirty games. Mention must be made of Scott Quarmby who came to Legends aid in the second row all the way from Lutterworth and had a fine game in the boiler house.
The early stages looked as if it could be a repeat of the demolition at Legends Lane as the visitors pressed hard. The forwards drove hard at the Norwich line and a superb reverse pass by Harvey Howman allowed Luke Mongston to carve through for a great try. Sharp’s conversion hit the posts and that was to be the last time Letchworth troubled the scoreboard that half. Much of the rest of the first period was spent in mid field but as the penalty count rose against the visitors Norwich fly half Conan Hoey took advantage with two penalties and missed a third meaning a slight 6/5 advantage at half time. Legends also lost inspirational number eight Tom Lewis with a turned ankle so had it all to do in the second half.
In fairness Letchworth seized the initiative in the third quarter and a half break by Sharp saw a rollicking Rambo Hughes out wide who in turn fed Tatenda Gurure who went over for Sharp to add the extras. Further pressure saw replacement scrum half Kieran Davies initiate a move with Gibbs and Mongston, and Gurure again crossed the whitewash to take it to 6/17.
If the Letchworth travelling faithful thought they could relax they needed to think again as Norwich barrelled up the field to go over with a driving maul in the corner. Fortunately for the visitors the kick was missed but it was still a six point game.
As mentioned earlier the home side had a chance to score again but Letchworth stood firm and despite a red card to Dan Peasnall for what seemed an innocuous offence in the last minute the Hertfordshire club were more than happy to come away with the spoils if not the bonus point. However another encouraging statistic shows Letchworth second in the RFU table for nine consecutive wins away from home … another club record.
Next week is home to Chelmsford ... another side capable of doing damage so a good close game is forecast. There is a league lunch at 12.30. And all diners need to book in with Les Wilsher on 07827 373937.
Team:
Tate
Hughes
Robinson
Peasnell
Quarmby
Mongston
Fitts (c)
Lewis
Howman
Sharp
Gurure
Ma’asi
Titherington
Stadden
Gibbs
Subs:
Davies
Hay
Basra
By BB
