LETCHWORTH Ladies were mauled 5-1 by high-flying Sudbury in the East Premier League. Arriving late because of a severe traffic hold-up, they started well despite limited warm-up time and the first half was a well-contested affair. Only a penalty flick to

LETCHWORTH Ladies were mauled 5-1 by high-flying Sudbury in the East Premier League.

Arriving late because of a severe traffic hold-up, they started well despite limited warm-up time and the first half was a well-contested affair.

Only a penalty flick to Sudbury after 10 minutes separated the teams after 35 minutes in which Letchworth had the better of the possession.

A second Sudbury goal, six minutes into the second half, might have killed it but Letchworth struck back five minutes later, through Sarah Parkhouse, to create some panic in the home defence.

Letchworth could not capitalise on their better approach play though as even a third Sudbury goal midway through the half did not cause heads to drop.

Throwing everything forward in the remaining minutes, Letchworth created a series of penalty corners as the home defence struggled to cope.

Inevitably the defence became overstretched as a result and two late goals from fast breakaways gave the home side a margin of victory which did not reflect the balance of play.

Letchworth are now without a fixture for the next two weekends.

Other scores: Royston 1 Letchworth Ladies II 0, Letchworth Ladies III 0 Welwyn II 5, Letchworth Ladies IV 1 (Jo Pinn) Cheshunt II 3.

A 4-1 defeat at Waltham Forest has left Stevenage Ladies hovering above the relegation zone.

Steph Fanthorpe gave Stevenage some hope by scoring their only goal but it was the home team who sealed victory.

Good play from Becky Fenwick at centre-back saw her pick up player of the match.

With a break now until February 17, Stevenage will use the time to regroup before taking on Broxbourne.

Other scores: Stevenage Ladies II 5 (Nicola Biggs, Tash Howe two, Sophie Warden, Tenille Steiner) Stevenage Ladies III 0, Blueharts II 0 Stevenage Ladies IV 1 (Tash Rose), Welwyn V 5 Stevenage Ladies V 1 (Genna Thomas).

Blueharts Ladies secured a fantastic 4-0 win against South Herts Ladies.

After a shaky start, Harts began to take control of the game winning an early short corner which was deflected over the line by forward Jay Livermore.

Harts dominated the rest of the half with their superior passing game in midfield and upfront.

Further goals from Lizzie Bayley and Tamzin Alderson put them 3-0 up at the break.

South Herts lifted their game in the second half but goalie Nikki Baxter made some crucial saves to keep a clean sheet.

Harts scored the only goal through centre-forward Kerry Ross.

The seconds suffered their first ever home defeat, losing to Stevenage fourths by a single goal.

Despite losing their last two league games, the ladies remain at the top of their division.

P Letchworth exited the Mixed HA Cup competition as they were beaten 7-3 at Bourne.