Letchworth Garden City 36-0 Chelmsford - Match report by Ian Kite

It was a game of two halves, neither of which did Letchworth take full advantage.

The first ten minutes saw Letchworth dominate with strong running from the front five and Lewis, Streets and Titherington. Lewis crashed over from short range after 3 minutes, Sharp converting 7 - 0. Seven minutes later Amos made it 12 – 0. And Chelmsford feared a thumping, and an unusually quiet crowd fully expected a rout but Chelmsford were made of sterner stuff. 

Their forwards regained composure and provided good ball for the backs to run, both up the middle and wide putting Letchworth on the back foot with a number of breaks which took them into the red zone but did not threaten the line. Despite this resurgence by half time Letchworth were up 19 – 0, Gurure sliding over in the corner at the Baldock end. A complimentary exchange between LG and the referee on his handling of the game brought a smile to several faces, including Josh Sharp who made the conversion look easy. 

The game took on a familiar pattern, Letchworth dominated the scrum and the lineout misfiring. With Ma'asi forced to miss the game, Streets had come off the bench to start and instantly made an impact running straight and hard up the middle but territory gained was lost at the lineout with poor technique resulting in turn-overs.  Frustrating as this was Letchworth with their excellent scrummaging were able to maintain possession but failed to capitalise as poor passing and handling kept Chelmsford in contention. 

One stand out moment saw Letchworth attempt a push over try. The pack stepped forward, Lewis controlled and a try seemed certain but at the last moment Lewis mistimed his would be touchdown and the Chelmsford flanker rouged the ball for a try line dropout. The crowd appreciated the effort though and rare as they are in the modern game, the push over try with its combination of power, skill and technique is a sight that the new laws should bring back into the game. If players cannot dip and drive for the line (so preventing the waist high tackle) coaches will look to the scrum to score from 5 meters out. 

Already we are seeing more use of the tap and go and less of the dreary scrum/penalty tactic that has so dominated the game since scrums became a time wasting technical cul-de-sac. 

Watching the speed with which scrums were formed back in the day we can only hope that it will once again become the competitive means to restart the game it should be.

 The forethought of Coach Baz Basra has meant that even when the side is altered significantly week on week, the players who come in are able to fit into the game plan. With kicking kept to a minimum Letchworth play a handling game from the 22 to try line. 

They have got good at it and if only, once in the red zone, their handling could match their ambition, try bonus points would have seen them well clear at the top of the table. As it stands; Saxons lost at Eton Manor and HAC at Brentwood leaving Letchworth 4 points clear with a game in hand. They are yet to be beaten and have taken their run to 31 matches, Oscar Robinson and Harvey Howman the only two players to have played in every game. 

This week at home to Woodford should see them (almost) equal the Invincibles 32 match unbeaten record from 1924. The crucial game down at HAC the following week should it be won will be a magnificent record for Letchworth and almost certainly see them promoted. 

It took a further eight minutes of the second half for Letchworth to secure the bonus point Luke Mongston scoring, Sharp converting. Two more unconverted tries, from Robinson and Titherington took the score to 36 – 0 and with Letchworth determined to keep a clean sheet the game, while remaining competitive, was over. The players were delighted to have won convincingly, back to something like their pre-Christmas form and the crowd lingered on the touchline amongst smiles and congratulations. 

Retiring to the bar for beer and banter the conversation revolved around the other key matches of the afternoon.

 It was soon learned that HAC had lost at Brentwood but the 3:30 kick off at Manor kept all on tenterhooks with updates filtering through as Manor consolidated their early lead to win 33 – 10.

It was great to have the 3rd XV at home and the Clubhouse was full and buzzing and why not? We are gradually attracting players back and new and the work being undertaken by Mssrs Calver, Frank and Biggers as well as the coaching team, players and the Committee have made the last two years something to celebrate. It is great to see so many Members and Sponsors at the Club.

Another great afternoon at Legends Lane, with more to come on Saturday v Woodford. Book your Lunch with Les on 07827373937. 12pm for 1230pm. KO 2pm 

If you wish to join the Legends go to https://letchworthrugby.rfu.club/products and become a Member under the most relevant category.

If you wish to join the 25Club make a standing order donation of £25+ to Anthony J Simpson 30-99-30 81833160

These donations are used to support the 1st XV.

If you wish to become a Grandee make a donation of £1000 to Philip Ward 04-00-75 90680987

These donations are used to support the Letchworth Development Squad, Braveherts and Letchworth Lionesses

If you wish to become a Sponsor see The President Mr Brian Burke.

Team:

Tate

Hughes

Robinson

Amos

Wilcock

Mongston

Fitts (c)

Lewis

Howman

Sharp

Gurure

Streets

Titherington

Gibss

Palmer 

Subs:

Tidey

Rae

Hay