Welwyn 6 v Letchworth 24

On a gloomy day in November, a depleted Welwyn side were unable to come away from this local derby with any league points. The 2nd XV, who had a good win against Sawston on the adjoining pitch, joined the 1st XV on the pitch for a minute’s silence in memory of Club President Clive Harkett.

Letchworth had the best of the possession for the first twenty minutes, winning both their own lineouts and some of Welwyn’s. With about 13 minutes of a staccato half played, Grant Keeler had to leave the field for a couple of minutes with a blood injury and was replaced temporarily by Rob Muggridge. Stoic defence by Welwyn kept Letchworth from scoring. However, a penalty in the Welwyn half 20 minutes into the game gave Letchworth the opportunity of taking the lead with 3 points. From the restart, Welwyn finally gained some possession and drove up the field on a rare foray into the Letchworth half. Letchworth were penalised for not releasing the ball which gave Gareth Hughes the opportunity to level the scores. Almost immediately Letchworth stretched their lead with another penalty. With half an hour played, Tom Jankowski aggravated a shoulder injury and was replaced by Rob Picken. Letchworth’s superior ball retention meant that Welwyn were constantly on the defensive and another misdemeanour enabled Letchworth to kick a further three points to give them a 9-3 lead. Welwyn continued to battle and indiscipline by Letchworth resulted in a penalty to Welwyn being brought forward an extra 10m, giving Gareth Hughes the opportunity to narrow the score to 9-6. Letchworth, however, continued to retain the ball better than Welwyn and a well worked backs move saw them score the first try of the game to give them a half time lead of 14-6.

Letchworth made a lively start to the second half with their winger scampering over for a try after only four minutes of play. Determined chasing of a Gareth Hughes kick by Wayne Child and Luke Williams led to a hurried kick away by the Letchworth full back. Good lineout jumping by Austen Cox gave Welwyn the opportunity to retain possession and move play towards the Letchworth line with some determined, driving play. Welwyn continued to exert pressure and after 20 minutes the Letchworth No 8 was yellow carded. Welwyn turned down the opportunity of another 3 points and opted for the lineout. Unfortunately they were unable to retain the ball and allowed Letchworth to clear their lines and shortly afterwards a misunderstanding between two of the Welwyn backs enabled Letchworth to touch down for another unconverted try to give them the 24-6 lead that they retained for the remaining 15 minutes. Welwyn again took play into the Letchworth half but unfortunately Rob Picken was given a yellow card, reducing Welwyn to 14 players. Letchworth’s sin binned player came back on so that they were up to full strength again. Max Cheater came on for Welwyn, replacing Craig Gunnell on the wing. Shortly after, the referee decided that a tackle on a Letchworth player was late and yellow carded Scott Clewlow, reducing Welwyn’s team to 13 players. However, determined defence by Welwyn prevented Letchworth from increasing their lead and some foul play five minutes later lead to another yellow card for a Letchworth player which levelled the teams at 14 a piece. The remainder of the game was evenly contested in the deepening gloom of a miserable, wet day.

Welwyn travel to Staines next Saturday, who are currently lying second in the league, without Luke Williams who is leaving the area to work in Wales and without Rob Muggridge, who is unlikely to be able to play again until at least Christmas.

15 Scott Clewlow
14 Craig Gunnell
13 Wayne Child
12 Kris Birkin
11 Luke Williams
10 Gareth Hughes
9 Yourgos Alexander
8 Owen Hopley
7 Rob James
6 Tom Jankowski
5 Mark Harris
4 Austen Cox
3 Grant Keeler
2 Rory Page
1 Richard Stokes
Subs
Robert Muggridge
Rob Picken
Max Cheater