Oundle 30 Letchworth 15

This was maybe even more disappointing than last week, as unlike Colchester, Oundle were beatable, and as Letchworth turned round, with the wind and slope had every chance of at least gaining a bonus point in this feisty encounter.

However the team again failed to gel and in some ways were the authors of their own downfall as errors were constantly punished by the Oundle fly half.

Clearly the second half game plan was not adhered to and when in the last minute with Letchworth pressing for a consolation try stupid chat caused the referee to reverse his penalty decision the side received a deserved roasting from head coach Baz Basra.

The overall talent is there but this step up in class needs more accuracy and dedication than ever and some need to learn that they are playing as a team not to satisfy their own egos or agendas.

So it was a pity as in many ways Letchworth played a better game than last week. Oundle had a big hefty set of forwards with former legend Sonny Maasi at eight and they turned the screw in the first fifteen minutes. An early penalty just dipped under the Letchworth bar with touch judges undecided whether it was over or not but continued pressure brought a try for the big second row which was converted 

However the visitors set piece improved and from a scrum penalty Letchworth took the lineout and drove over with Tim Hughes touching down to make it 7/5.

Minutes later a high tackle saw Sharp stroke over a penalty to atone for his missed conversion and Legends led for the only time in the game. 

Oundle trundled down the slope and with the ball out to their big winger he ran through Sullivan -Warner as if he wasn't there ! Two further penalties from the reliable kicker meant that Legends trailed  20/8 at the break but were still in contention. 

Unfortunately at this stage two of Letchworths speediest players Ansell and Gibbs had to leave the pitch and a further penalty for offside was punished with three points . 

For a few minutes in the middle of the second half Letchworth took control and pounded the home sides line. Great driving by Rambo Hughes was foiled right on the whitewash. The ever tireless Tom Lewis took the ball on and selflessly gave a beautifully soft hand pass to Sharp who scored and then converted his own kick. 

It should have been game on at this stage but from the restart Legends totally muffed their lines giving away another easy three points. Then losing possession out on the wing in their own 22 Oundle were nearly over but a corner flagging Lewis whacked the ball out soccer style metres from their own line. Alas, Oundle took the ball from the lineout and drove over for the decisive score . 

Titherington who had another fine game in the centre cut through and a try seemed on but Streets could not hold onto the final pass. With the big forwards now tiring Legends camped on the Oundle line and won scrum after scrum with an Oundle forward seeing yellow for constant infringements - not before time. Yet with seven points begging and maybe time for another score the pressure was wrecked by a needless remark and so as the old rhyme goes … the poor dog got none... 

Time to reflect and regroup before a tough home game against west Herts outfit Tring in two weeks 

There will be a league lunch with a special call out to players from the 60s and 70s as part of the start of the centenary celebrations. Call Les Wilsher on 07827373937 to book your place ….

Happier days for the Development side who made it three in a row with a great win against Ampthill Amateur Ones 22/17 with tries from Rooney Schoeman Wonky Dave Rae and Jacob.

Team from 1 

Robinson 

Hughes T 

Stokes 

Walker 

Peasnell

Askham 

Fitts C 

Lewis 

Howman vc

Sharp

Ansell 

Titherington

Streets 

Sullivan -Warner 

Gibbs 

 Subs 

Hughes K 

Wilcock 

Mongston