Letchworth Rugby Club chairman Brian Burke has hailed the first team squad after their record-breaking promotion season.

Speaking to Letchworth Nub News Brian reflected on a never-to-be-forgotten campaign that saw them put the seal on a memorable season by beating Old Priorians 26-22.

Read on for what he told us as he says: Promotion is so sweet.

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Now that the dust has settled on the beer stains from the celebrations on Saturday night it is time to reflect on a fantastic season for Letchworth Rugby Club's first team - or Legends as they are ironically known.

Second place was secured after a pulsating encounter with arch rivals Old Priorians 26-22 - after the winning try went the entire length of the field - and could have won plaudits for try of the season.

Not only that, but Saturdays victory ensured that they had beaten every club in the league and also remained unbeaten at home throughout the campaign - a feat only achieved twice before in the clubs history 1960 and 1991.

It is also interesting to reflect that this is at least two thirds of the same side that were hanging on in this league for the two seasons before the pandemic.

Much of the improvements must be down to the strong coaching squad assembled under former Bedford legend Baz Basra who has inspired great improvements from his charges.

Baz said: "I am proud of the way the lads have responded to our coaching regime and the improvement since last September when we lost to OPs by over 25 points was there for all to see.

"We had lost four regulars to London but others have stepped up to the plate and really come on this year."

Only 24 players have been used in the first team this year but already there are plans to strengthen the squad to meet the challenges of next season.

Not only that but Basra's side will train throughout the Summer and there is still a Cup Final to be won against Fullerians on April 30 at Harpenden.

We already have irons in the fire to strengthen our depth in the squad for next year which given the step up is imperative.

One side in London 1 used 53 players last year.

With Datchworth's relegation we are now two leagues above any North Herts club so if other local players want to see how far they can rise up the Rugby pyramid they know where to come.

Days like Saturday are there to savour. They don't come round too often and the club was buzzing with over 400 people there.

We certainly didn't have much beer left on Sunday!

It's great that Baz and his team are already planning for next year.

I get the feeling with these coaches and players there will be more great days to come and as a committtee and club we are 100 per cent behind them. Bring on our 99th season.

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