Letchworth Ladies good run of form came to a disappointing end with a 3-1 home defeat against Cambridge University. They totally dominated the opening minutes, with the students having to work hard to defend their D. It was still the visitors who struck

Letchworth Ladies' good run of form came to a disappointing end with a 3-1 home defeat against Cambridge University.

They totally dominated the opening minutes, with the students having to work hard to defend their D.

It was still the visitors who struck first after 12 minutes from their first real attack, when the defence allowed a forward too much room in the D to give keeper Teresa Hisgrove no chance.

As the visitors grew in confidence, it was Letchworth who had to work hard to hold on until half time.

Cambridge went further ahead 10 minutes into the second half from a penalty corner. Although Letchworth pressed to get something back, it was more often Hisgrove, who had an outstanding game, who was drawn into action and a third goal after 57 minutes sealed the result.

A consolation goal from Rachel Williams in the closing minutes briefly put the visitors under pressure but it was all too little, too late.

Their third team won 4-2 at South Herts (Potters Bar).

They dominated the first half, playing a superb passing game, which resulted in a clever individual goal from Vanessa Benci. The second half was closer but with sterling performances from goalie Helen King and sweeper and captain Sheila Lucas, Letchworth won with more goals from Deb Wren (two) and Benci.

Stevenage Ladies drew 1-1 at Peterborough in a friendly.

The home side went a goal ahead early on and only fine goalkeeping from player of the match Lisa Pickard prevented more.

A change of personnel at half time saw Stevenage start brightly and Lucy Harvey was penetrative up front.

But it was left to the final minutes before Stevenage found a well-deserved equaliser. A fighting run by Kath Phoenix up the right flank drew the defence before slipping the ball to Kate Chapman, who was free at the top of the D to fire home.

Other scores: Stevenage III 5 (Harriet Richards four, Sam Franklin) Luton 1; Stevenage IV 0 St Albans 8; Stevenage V 1 (Liz Siddall) West Herts 1.

Blueharts Ladies' second team played out a stalemate with St Neots.

Player of the match Susie Powell was unlucky not to score in the final minute when she struck the ball from the top of the D only to see it fly inches wide of the post.

Kirsten Barnett and Teresa Donald also went close to scoring, while Sophie Field was solid in defence.