Hertford 63 Letchworth GC 16 The result was expected but the margin of defeat was not to Letchworth s liking. Holders Hertford are racing favourites to again win the Herts Presidents Cup this season but Letchworth were disappointed in the manner of their

Hertford 63 Letchworth GC 16

The result was expected but the margin of defeat was not to Letchworth's liking.

Holders Hertford are racing favourites to again win the Herts Presidents' Cup this season but Letchworth were disappointed in the manner of their defeat.

In almost perfect conditions, the quarter-final tie was played in a refreshingly lighthearted manner but Letchworth's backs were over-generous in allowing their opponents too much room.

A welcome respite from the intensity of league rugby saw a lot of positives but the outcome reflected the widening gulf between area and national rugby.

The stats do not lie - five first-half tries to three penalties, four second-half tries to one.

All the 10 tries were converted, touchline or not, so credit should go to Gavin Donald and his counterpart Kieron Davies.

Letchworth's forwards stuck to their task. Pressure was on in the scrum but around the park and in the lineout, honours were even.

Hertford always had more time on the ball with former Baldock Road starlet James Tirrell - capped by England at under-20 level this season and on loan to Hertford from Saracens - controlling matters from scrum-half.

A welcome sight was the return to action of Tony Simpson as a replacement following a nasty injury earlier in the season.

Andy Morris was on the mark with his throwing and showed his usual heart despite being booked in for surgery on his neck this week.

Steve Harpur answered the good natured banter from the crowd with Letchworth's solitary try, showing a fine turn of pace to cross in the corner.

It is now back to league business this Saturday with a crucial home fixture against Thurrock.