Welwyn 11 Letchworth GC 23 Letchworth won this Herts derby to ease their relegation worries in the London Two North. Welwyn started with the slope advantage, but were six points down after 14 minutes following two Letchworth penalties through Gavin Donald

Welwyn 11 Letchworth GC 23

Letchworth won this Herts derby to ease their relegation worries in the London Two North.

Welwyn started with the slope advantage, but were six points down after 14 minutes following two Letchworth penalties through Gavin Donald.

Outside half Gareth Hughes slotted over a penalty kick to reduce the arrears to 6-3.

Letchworth edged further in front soon afterwards when their South African winger Ryan de la Harpe touched down to put them 11-3 up at the break.

Welwyn were first to score in the second period as centre Peter Elliott intercepted the ball inside his own 22 and with the Letchworth full-back out of position, he had a straight but long run to the visitors' try line.

Despite the attentions of three defenders, he was able to score on the right.

The conversion failed but the deficit was now reduced to just three points.

Letchworth responded with a second try for de la Harpe which was converted to increase the gap to 16-8.

Welwyn were awarded a penalty when the visitors strayed offside and Hughes converted from the 22 to bring the score to 18-11 midway through the half.

Letchworth again replied as de la Harpe completed a hat-trick of tries and although the conversion was missed, the lead was now increased to 23-11.

Welwyn applied pressure in the final 10 minutes of the game but captain Owen Hopley broke his arm as his side remain in the relegation mire after this defeat.

* Letchworth are away at Old Albanians this Sunday in the quarter-finals of the Herts Presidents' Cup (2pm ko).

* Then before the following Saturday's home league game against Tring (2.30pm ko) at Baldock Road, there is a lunch to celebrate the lives of John Gardiner and Bob Worbey.

It is 12.30pm for 1pm and all wishing to attend should call Peter Marsden on 01462 835163 or Brian Burke 01462 422555.

* The Bleak Midwinter Ball which took place earlier this month at the Spirella Ballroom in Letchworth Garden City was a resounding social success.

More than £2,000 was raised for The Garden House Hospice as well as pitch refurbishment.