Civil Service 17 Letchworth 21 Letchworth were good value for this win at the often impregnable Civil Service sports ground. The match entertained throughout with a good measure of endeavour, skill and commitment, with Lyndsey Hogg at the heart of everyth

Civil Service 17 Letchworth 21

Letchworth were good value for this win at the often impregnable Civil Service sports ground.

The match entertained throughout with a good measure of endeavour, skill and commitment, with Lyndsey Hogg at the heart of everything for Letchworth.

While the old hands of Paul Hughes and Andy Atkinson provided a steadying influence, it was the youthful flying Scott Quarmby who opened the defence for the telling score.

With an immaculate playing surface and little breeze, the stage was set for enterprising rugby.

A low autumn sun dazzled, with Civil Service facing it first half.

The early exchanges were even, with lineouts for both sides unpredictable. James Nye soon got his eye in for Letchworth to supply some decent ball.

Kris Cottenden was involved out wide for Letchworth as Civil Service were put on the back foot.

Luke Starr had his radar on, seemingly fielding every stray defensive kick.

His runs back caused further problems, earning a five metre lineout.

The catch and drive was well executed, with Phil Pearson getting the try for Gavin Donald to convert.

Civil Service came back with a penalty. Then strong running from their inside centre caught the eye but he needed support. It came after a strong break from a set scrum. His number eight made up the ground to take a scoring pass and the kick bounced over off the upright.

Letchworth pressed back, with Ian Smith just beaten to a Donald cross kick.

Good breaks from Jaggi Johal, Cottenden and Atkinson all came close but that elusive score was prevented by resolute defence.

On the stroke of half time, Donald went for the sticks, bouncing his kick off the upright for the levelling score at 10-10.

With the sun now on their backs, Civil Service started strongly in the second half.

A kickable penalty went wide, giving Johal the chance to put in a big hit from the 22m drop out.

Atkinson seized on the ball, weaving his way to the line. Just a few feet short, he held on a fraction too long to concede a penalty.

But touch was missed and Letchworth were back on the attack.

Temperatures rose with the intensity and handbags were out. The home side were adjudged to have started it, allowing Donald to take the lead with a penalty.

A second followed minutes later, forcing an instant response.

Civil Service put in, five metres out. Up stepped Gary Glencross, Andy Morris and Simon Hill to inflict the ultimate indignity on their opponents. Driven back off their own ball and turned over.

Hughes sensed the moment and sparked a neat counter attack. Pearson and Chris Pugh made good ground for the ball to be moved wide again.

With plenty of work to do, Quarmby set off on a classic arc to outstrip his opposite number for a well-taken try.

Civil Service fired back but were thwarted with good work from James Nye and Martin Kirby.

Niggles persisted and the referee sent one from each side to the sin bin and this really opened things up.

Pugh was just short after a good run, only for Civil Service to counter themselves with their 12 to the fore again. Tired players littered the pitch as the home side salvaged some pride with the last score of the day.

P Pink is not normally a colour associated with rugby players. But this will be the case this Saturday as Letchworth entertain Norwich with the day dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer.