St Albans 3 Letchworth GC 3 BOTH teams gave their all in effort in appalling conditions but this county derby matched the conditions as a spectacle. Letchworth had the early pressure but the game was disrupted in the opening minutes with a nasty injury to

St Albans 3 Letchworth GC 3

BOTH teams gave their all in effort in appalling conditions but this county derby matched the conditions as a spectacle.

Letchworth had the early pressure but the game was disrupted in the opening minutes with a nasty injury to the St Albans full-back.

The teams waited nervously as he was escorted from the pitch.

Kris Cottenden made a strong run down his wing, and Gary Glencross was chopped down neck high to earn a penalty.

St Albans made the cardinal sin of questioning the referee to give away a further 10m and put the kick within Gavin Donald's range so first blood went to Letchworth.

The equaliser followed soon after as mistakes flowed.

Undoubtedly the best contest of the afternoon was in the front row, where St Albans had the bulk but Simon Hill, Andy Morris and Glencross for Letchworth had the technique.

Letchworth were causing turnovers, but could not capitalise on that possession.

Saints were always lively on the counter but could not apply the finishing touches as the game struggled to ignite.

The half-time break gave a chance to revise tactics as both sides opted for a kicking game, followed by driving forward play.

With former National League team-mates Jaggi Johal and Jon Sayer in opposition, the stopping power held sway and there were precious few chances for a score.

Saints will be thankful for a point as they fight to exit the relegation zone, while Letchworth stay in the pack chasing the league leaders.

* There was more fun and general excitement in Sunday's light-hearted game at Baldock Road.

Two sets of vets clashed in a special game to mark the 50th birthday of club president Brian Burke.

Burke's side took on Dave Sharp's XV and the president's men took the honours 26-15 with the man himself scoring the final try!

The oldest player on show was the 63-year-old Clive Delamain.

Former captain Richie Davies turned out for the president, as did ex-Herts county man David Niven who scored a superb opening try.