There were smiles at Legends Lane on Saturday as retired players aged up to 94 and young players from the junior ranks as well as the seconds and thirds enjoyed a really convivial lunch and then a thrilling game of rugby that followed.

Letchworth had used their two week layoff since the Oundle game well and following a good deal of self analysis as well as feedback from Baz Basra and his coaching team came up with a positive and determined game plan which saw off their west Herts rivals who have been at this level for over five years.

The game itself was a thriller and swayed from end to end with Letchworth holding firm against a large Tring pack especially man of the match Oscar ROBINSON who gave his opposing prop over five kilos in weight. 

There was a welcome return from Charlie Parkhouse from National 1 side Bishops Stortford who shone in the back division along with two try Will Titherington and young winger Josh Stadden. However it was the improvement in team performance that was most encouraging. 

On a cold bright Autumnal day Letchworth started brightly but unfortunately lost player maker Josh Sharp for a ten minute sin binning due to a high tackle . This did not deter them from attacking the Tring line. Parkhouse nudged a nice grubber deep into the Tring 22 and though the danger was cleared , a now restored Sharp put a penalty deep into the red zone. Letchworth drove over from the lineout and prop Ben Wilkinson touched down . The kick drifted wide 

This certainly stirred Tring whose scrum half Ben Hogan was a constant threat as were the two hard running centres taking the ball at pace and making holes in the Letchworth midfield. A period of pressure saw Hogan over and the kick made it 5/7 to the visitors . However Letchworth responded when a great move that saw Titherington over for a fine unconverted try in the corner to restore the lead to 10/7 

However the last part of the half belonged to Tring who stormed over in the centre but surprisingly missed the kick . Then on the stroke of half time an adjudged knock on from a lineout denied them a further score so the half time score was 10/12 with all to play for.

Although against the wind in the second half Letchworth came out with real determination . On the fiftieth minute a superb move involving Titherington, Parkhouse and Stadden saw Letchworths pocket winger brought down metres from the Tring line. The ball was recycled several times and it was Charlie Parkhouse who went over for a try on his returning debut .Sharp nailed the conversion with a great kick. However at this level sides do not go away and a good Tring attack led to a try in the corner to bring it level at 17/17 and then a great conversion saw them lead 19/17.

An almighty hail stone storm had caused the crowd to retreat to cover but as the sun broke out again so did the Legends rekindling that spirit that saw them go so long unbeaten over the past two seasons.

Another great move saw Parkhouse cutting through and feeding Titherington to score what was to be the winning and bonus point try with Sharp again adding what proved to be the vital conversion.

A Tring attack saw them opt for a penalty in front of the sticks which took it to 24/22 and set up a grandstand finish . With the visitors desperate for one final score they threw the kitchen sink at letchworth but the defence remained firm. Letchworth then went down to 14 with substitute Jack Askham being shown yellow for a deliberate infringement.

In the last play of the game it looked like a chip through was going to give them the try Tring so badly needed but who was there to cover and save the day but Parkhouse C. 

Welcome Home Charlie! 

Next week away to Hertford which will be another tester but if the improvement continues no reason why Legends should not do well at Hoe Lane next weekend. 

Team from 1 

Robinson

Hughes K 

Wilkinson 

Peasnell

Walker

Mongston 

Fitts (c)

Lewis

Howman

Sharp

Stadden

Titherington

Parkhouse C

Sullivan. Warner

Gibbs 

Hughes T

Wilcock

Askham