Letchworth Rugby Club men's and women's sides enjoyed a successful club day out at a renowned North Herts sporting, music and food and drink jamboree. 

The popular North Herts Rugby and Netball festival returned last weekend to great acclaim - here's why.

The eagerly-awaited event took place last weekend (Friday, August 12 and Saturday, August 13) and brought bring the best of the rugby and netball world together with the wider North Herts community including a large number from Letchworth, to celebrate sport, music and good food. 

The event hosted 16 men's teams, 14 netball teams and 13 ladies rugby teams on the Saturday - with more than 500 people playing sport throughout the course of the day. 

Letchworth Champions:

For the second year in a row the club entered both a men's and women's teams and for the second year in a row the black and yellow army returned to Legends Lane with some new silverware to add to the trophy cabinet. 

Having played their first competitive fixtures ever at last years NH21 event, the Letchworth Lionesses again returned to the Development Cup of the women's tournament, taking part in an XRugby7's competition with local friends Datchworth (who's women were taking their first step into competitive games) and Cheshunt.

There were some brilliant games from all three sides with Letchworth reaching the final where the beat Cheshunt to claim the Raymond James Development Cup.

Letchworth men

Over in the men's tournament, a strong Letchworth side boasting several new and exciting signings took a few fixture changes in their stride as they saw off Royston and enjoyed a game of touch with local rivals Datchworth on their way to the semi finals. They faced off with Bedford Queens in the semis who had had a gone run themselves but Letchworth overcame them to set up a repeat of last years final with Cantabs again their opponents. 

Letchworth and Cantabs played out a thrilling final in 2021, with the game decided by a golden try scored by Joe Allison but this year the Legends didn't need to additional time to secure the win and take home for a second year the Cawsburger Cup. A great way to start what will be an exciting season in a new league.

Fittingly it was another Letchworth name which will be added to the Graham Walker Man of Steel tankard with super star new signing Josh Sharp, who joins from Championship side Ampthill, being named the man of the tournament. 

Letchworth president Brain Burke said: "A huge thank you to Adam Howard, organiser of the North Herts Rugby and Netball tournament and to the faithful Letchworth fans who came out to see a brilliant double for the club."

While renowned loyal Letchworth rugby man turned boxer Tom Ansell added: "What a day for the club! The men and women teams winning the whole tournament. Great day/"

RELATED ARTICLES:

Read Nub News' music correspondent Ruby Corrigan's exclusive Q&A from the festival with top local musician Lawrence Hill here

And here's Nub News' food reporter Deven Thakeira's Up Close feature from the popular event on the brilliant Amani Kitchen here