HAMPSTEAD 12-45 LETCHWORTH

Hampstead's cold and windy heath, with its lack of any welcoming facilities, has often proved a banana skin for the visitors.

It seemed that way on Saturday after ten minutes, with the home side leading 7-0 and Luke Mongston in the naughty bin.

Fast forward an hour and a half - with Mongston scoring a hat trick - the visitors had run in seven tries against their unfortunate hosts, to leave delighted coach Baz Basra hailing the whole team, including substitutes Page Scott and Rae, as men of the match.

It certainly was a team effort as nearly all the scores came from some great sustained play by both forwards and backs, with some stunning interplay at times.

In the early stages Hampstead dominated, and led with a well worked score under the posts.

However despite playing against a strong wind Letchworth forced their way into the game with some great phases.

Mongston returned to the pitch just in time, as Joe Alison won great lineout ball and the burly number eight went over even if Hem Johal was narrowly wide with the kick.

Minutes later great team work saw the ball moved between Arun Johal and Gibbs for Tattenda Gurure to go over and Legends took a lead they never lost.

Another break by Gurure saw the ball worked quickly to the other side and Luke Campbell just fell short of the line. Veteran sniper Harvey Howman was on hand to dive over and with Hem Johal adding the points to see Letchworth pulling away.

On the stroke of half time Letchworth were nearly over again but determined defence kept them out.

The travelling faithful did not have long to wait for the bonus point try in the second forty. Both prop Tate and full back Gibbs nearly crossed the whitewash after great team play before Allison strolled over. and Johal added the two extra with a great kick.

Hampstead never gave up and enjoyed a spell of pressure before another long range move involving Scott, Arun Johal, Gurure and Page before Allison waltzed over for his second.

A further kick from Hem Johal and Legends were over the hill. It was Johal who, minutes later, won a great turnover for his brother Arun to burst through and feed Mongston who thundered over under the posts.

After that it was really a question as to who would get their hat trick first.

Allison went close as his mazy run ended just metres short - but it was the effervescent Mongston who seized the ball and dived over to claim his third, with Johal taking the score to 45-7.

It is to Hampsteads credit that they battled to the end and were rewarded with a well taken try in the corner - with the referee blowing his loudest shriek of the whistle for this one. It was to no avail.

There is no doubt that this was one of Letchworth's best all round performances this season - sealed without several big boys up front.

Special mention to Tommy Wilcock and Dave Hatch in the engine room and great leadership from Fitts at the back. Also young Hugo Lennie making his starting debut on the wing.

Letchworth will be hopeful for another good win at home next week to Enfield.

Kick-off will be at 2pm at Legends Lane following a sumptuous Christmas dinner from resident chef Big Les Wilsher.

Team from 1

Robinson

Tate

Hatch

Fitts (c)

Howman

Gurure

Johal A

Gibbs

Page

Scott