HAC 31 Letchworth GC 26

Letchworth more than proved that they could live with the best in this high octane game at Dukes Meadows on Saturday.

After only half an hour they found themselves 21-0 down against this very well organised outfit and things could have been even worse if flying winger Tattenda Gurure had not stopped a certain try by holding his opposite number up over the line when he seemed certain to score.

This was almost certainly a turning point in the game as from then on Legends improved just like a fine mature red wine.

At the end two bonus points were a just reward for the visitors but another five minutes and who knows what could have resulted.

The league leaders started well and after only ten minutes had posted a seven pointer as good running and interchanging led to a try out wide.

However the north herts leading side played some attractive rugby before a loose pass gave HAC a gift of a try and a 14 point lead.

Things were looking ominous. Letchworth missed a penalty at a good distance out before some more strong running led to HACs third.

With another break thwarted by Gurure under the posts things were looking grim.

But then Legends turned things round and the last ten of the first half belonged to them.

A great shove pushed HAC back and Mongston pounced to score what proved to be an unconverted try and leave the scores 21/5 at half time.

Letchworth narrowed the gap with another forward try just after the break well converted by Michael Waters.

However HAC now enjoyed their best spell in the second half as several forward drives were levelled at the Letchworth line and then one of their backs popped through for another seven points.

A few minutes later Chris Gibbs was involved in a horrible collision but fortunately stayed on the field to play a great part in the last 20 minutes.

In the meantime Letchworth fell further behind as Luke Mongston slipped into a high tackle which was punished with the resulting penalty by the fly half.

At 31/12 it seemed that Legends would go home empty handed but a superb last quarter brought them within a hairs breath of a shock away win and certainly rattled the league leaders.

A great break by Gibbs led to a Letchworth penalty and Michael Waters danced through before feeding Gurure for a superb third try. Dan Duke landed a fine conversion.

Despite another HAC attack Letchworths defence held firm and a penalty quickly taken by Gibbs was disrupted resulting in a yellow card for the home side Letchworth now worked their way down the field and Michael Waters again proved a handful.

This time Gibbs was on hand to go over and Duke added the points with a superb final strike.

With the home side clearly jittery it was unfortunate that the referee blew for "no side " at this point.

A superb game and Legends well worth their two bonus points to keep them in third place. Mention must be made of old war horse Adam Amos who came off the bench on several occasions to add to the cause and another dynamic performance from replacement prop Mark Tate.

Team from 1

Hughes K

Wilcock

Allison

Mongston

Johal H

Campbell

Gurure

Tate

Duke

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Next week sees another away trip to Old Streetonians in Hackney Marshes but Letchworth can go there full of confidence after this performance.

The next home league game is on November 27 against fourth place Ruislip with a league lunch beforehand.

All diners contact Brian Burke 07768274037