Letchworth GC 10 Chingford 18 This game encapsulated Letchworth s season to date. It was frustrating for both players, coach Phil Waters and the Baldock Road faithful who turned out in large numbers in the warm February sunshine. There were long periods o

Letchworth GC 10 Chingford 18

This game encapsulated Letchworth's season to date.

It was frustrating for both players, coach Phil Waters and the Baldock Road faithful who turned out in large numbers in the warm February sunshine.

There were long periods of forward dominance with some pulsating runs to have the Chingford line under severe pressure.

But then a lack of penetration in the back line, inept decision making and the leaking of two soft tries after all the effort that had gone before led to groans from the pitch and touchline alike.

There was no doubting that Chingford were a useful outfit and indeed lie fourth in the league.

However, like too many sides before this season they were there for the taking but came away with the spoils.

Although playing into the sun and a slight breeze, the first 20 minutes was all Letchworth.

Chingford were caught offside and Gavin Donald missed an early penalty 40 yards out. He immediately atoned with an equally difficult strike after indiscipline cost the visitors another penalty.

Bond, the Chingford fly-half, scored an easy penalty to level things after Letchworth were penalised for playing the ball on the ground from the restart.

The next quarter was all Letchworth. A great chip from skipper Paul Hughes led to the forwards driving hard at the Chingford line.

It seemed that Letchworth must surely score but a penalty in front of the posts was spurned, the ball then overturned, and a long boot up field put winger Luke Starr under real pressure to put the ball out.

With no home defence in sight, Chingford took full advantage and took a quick throw for full-back Goodwin to waltz through unmolested and Bond to add the points for a seven pointer.

What should have been a three-point lead was now a seven-point deficit for the home side and Chingford raised their game accordingly for the remainder of the half.

An early drive by Chingford at the start of the second half drove the home side to just a yard in front of their try line before it was stopped and Bond missed an easy penalty.

The next 10 minutes saw Letchworth on the attack with some great handling and running but again the Chingford line held firm.

Then, from an innocuous set piece on the Letchworth 10m line, a blind side chip caught Starr out of position and the ball then bounced unkindly for the Letchworth winger.

His opposite number Nathan Wiles raced through to touch down for an unconverted try.

Now playing catch-up, Letchworth camped in the Chingford half.

Phase after phase was set up with the line agonisingly so close but so far.

Eventually the forward drives led by Jaggi Johal were rewarded when Starr linked with Steve Harper for the winger to go over for a fine try. Donald struck a great conversion from the touchline to make it 15-10.

Letchworth were now in touch but almost immediately a stupid penalty allowed Chingford to pull two scores ahead with a Bond strike.

Although they never gave up and ended the game deep in the Chingford half, two scores were never going to come and the vital two points were lost.

Letchworth must now turn their attentions to top of the table Tring who they face away a week on Saturday.

It is to be hoped that they get the rub of the green that deserted them at Baldock Road on Saturday.