A mid-season review from Brian Burke, Club President.
Letchworth rugby club first team can look back with some pride on their performances in the first half of this 2021/22 season in the tough London 2 league.
At the half way stage the first team - or Legends - lie third in the table with eight wins and three defeats. They have scored 404 points against 207 conceded and it is in fact the style of their play that has excited the Baldock road faithful this year. The interlinking between forwards and backs has led to some spectacular scores often going nearly the length of the pitch, and though he has only had a relatively small squad to pick from head coach Baz Basra - late of Bedford and Northampton - has deployed his forces well.
Having started with a surprise reversal at Priorians in September - the only game where they picked up no points - Letchworth then thrashed local rivals Datchworth and had impressive wins at Grasshoppers and then leading Hertfordshire scalps Hemel Hempstead and Fullerians.
Although November saw two defeats on the road against leaders HAC and near rivals Streetonians these were probably two of the best performances. HAC - who have conquered all before them, usually by a clear margin of thirty points or more - were held to 31/26 on their home turf after Legends were behind by 21 points. Another five minutes and it could have been a surprise win for the North Herts side.
The Streetonians game was most entertaining for the neutral with no less than thirteen scores in the game (imagine that in the soccer premiership!). Streets won narrowly 42/39 having converted all their tries to Legends two!
Matters were then restored with hefty wins over Ruislip, Hampstead and Enfield, all by 35 point margins and with some glorious scores.
It is invidious to pick out individuals but this season has seen the introduction of “colours” ties for consistent individual performances and to date these have been awarded to Oscar Robinson, Chris Gibbs, Alex Lennon, Hem Johal, Harvey Howman, Luke Mongston and several others in the squad.
With all leading teams to come to Legends Lane in the second half of the season it can be hoped that a top three or even two finish is possible. The following are the games at home in 2022:
Jan 8 Grasshoppers 2.15
22 Hackney 2.15
Feb 12 HAC 2.30
19 Streetonians 2.30
Mar 12 Hampstead. 3.00
Apr 2 Priorians 3.00
Admission is FREE, and if it’s entertainment you want you will not be disappointed!
