Newton’s Law

Letchworth 14 Tring 22

Letchworth applied long periods of pressure in this match but Tring retained their status as unbeaten league leaders.

The home side fell into the same trap as others before them by underestimating the danger of Tring's back three, in particular outstanding young full-back Tom Newton.

Three chances offered all match, three tries scored, showed why Tring are now the only unbeaten outfit in the London Two North.

There had been no hangover from the previous week's poor showing as Letchworth tore into Tring with passion.

Gavin Donald kicked a penalty to take an early lead and Tring looked anything but the form team as they struggled to cope with the bullying runs of the Letchworth back row.

With the front row of Gary Glencross, Ginge Morris and Simon Hill attacking the tight, Tring were pinned back in their half.

Hill did well in the loose, riding an extremely high tackle to keep the ball alive, and spark a fine backs move. The ball went touchline to touchline three times for Matt Turner to find the inevitable gap and cross for a try.

Letchworth continued to press and despite their youth, Tring showed a streetwise streak.

They lived on the edge of offside and put in a number of almost late tackles to disrupt the flow. With their passionate coach often on the pitch as an extra man, the game was developing a healthy edge.

Letchworth pressed again and what should have been a scoring pass went to centre Neil Jones, just as he pulled up injured.

Tring pounced on the error and with good pace and hands, made the 80 yards for a well-taken score.

Jones limped off, to be replaced by Morgan Bevan.

The former Bridgend starlet, having been injured for 10 months, did not expect to make his return as a centre. Coach Bob Crooks spared him that, shuffling Linsey Hogg to the midfield.

Letchworth recovered well from the setback and pressured Tring again.

One further Donald penalty never looked like an adequate return considering the wind on their back.

Ominously, Tring began to stabilise as half time approached.

Soon after the second half started, Letchworth kicked badly out of defence. The Tring backs, having been starved of ball, were ready. Despite a last minute fumble, they ran with pace and support to take the lead with a converted try.

Letchworth adopted a pragmatic approach at last. With Martin Kirby having an outstanding match, the forwards played keep ball.

Tring lost a back rower to the bin and Donald levelled scores at 14 apiece.

The visitors were still looking anything other than league leaders as Letchworth put on more pressure.

With five minutes to go, Letchworth were still controlling the ball and more of the same was called for. A collective intake of breath was heard as a wayward kick was launched from inside Letchworth's half.

Newton was immaculately placed to field the ball and start climbing through the gears as he outstripped the defence.

His fellow backs, anticipating well, linked up and gave him options aplenty for the scoring pass.

Chasing the game, Letchworth were caught one last time for Newton to finish matters with a penalty.

Letchworth are away to Chingford - never an easy fixture - this Saturday.