Letchworth 0 Civil Service 19 It was muddy hell for Letchworth as they lost their opening game of 2007 to the league s second placed side. Steady rain fell on an already waterlogged pitch, washing line markings away. Within minutes of the start, both team

Letchworth 0 Civil Service 19

It was muddy hell for Letchworth as they lost their opening game of 2007 to the league's second placed side.

Steady rain fell on an already waterlogged pitch, washing line markings away.

Within minutes of the start, both teams were indistinguishable in their uniform mud coating but they worked hard in the conditions to keep the soaking crowd interested.

Civil Service are the London Two North form team and showed why with a disciplined controlled performance.

They waited patiently for their few opportunities and took them with clinical precision.

Letchworth put together some good passages of pressure but were guilty of poor decision making at key times.

This cost them dear ultimately but the forwards in particular can take heart from their display.

Letchworth had the early pressure but conceded possession and had to defend their own line. Civil Service handled well, yet missed a penalty chance and could not finish a number of promising moves.

The first score, as often happens, was created by a mistake.

A poor pass scudded along the floor to wrong foot defenders. Scooped up by Civil's outside centre, he had the support to create a try under the posts. The conversion was made.

Letchworth rallied with Andy Atkinson making a classic break.

Phil Pearson shaded the lineouts, but understandable problems controlling the ball meant Letchworth looked unlikely to score.

It was a piece of individual skill from Civil's number 12 that turned the match. His break back against the drift defence caused havoc. It resulted in a converted try to take the lead to 14 at the break.

Both teams were opting for the kick and chase.

Luke Starr, making his first start at full-back, was unable to slip the followers, although he kept possession well.

Gavin Donald was short with a normally kickable goal as Letchworth enjoyed a good period. It was brought to an abrupt end by a poor tactical kick which was run back by the visitors. Tackles were broken and their winger crossed the line to extend the lead to 19 points.

Letchworth's pack fired up and made good headway but were let down when Andy Morris let his frustration get the better of him right under the referee's nose. He threw an ineffective handbag punch to earn a yellow card.

The rain came back with a vengeance, making players and spectators alike glad to hear the final whistle.

Letchworth travel to Woodford this Saturday for more league action.