London One North Letchworth GC 29 Harpenden 21 HARPENDEN were edged out in a tight game against Letchworth on Saturday and in truth were punished for their slow start. Letchworth s fly half Gavin Donald kicked well to pin the Harpenden backs in and only

London One North

Letchworth GC 29 Harpenden 21

HARPENDEN were edged out in a tight game against Letchworth on Saturday and in truth were punished for their slow start.

Letchworth's fly half Gavin Donald kicked well to pin the Harpenden backs in and only some last ditch tackling from Alan Barton stopped the home side from breaking through.

With just six minutes on the clock Letchworth's Glynn Hughes touched down for the game's opening score with the conversion missed.

With Harpenden's defence stretched Letchworth added a second try, with Jag Johal the man touching the ball down.

The Men in Black responded well and enjoyed large spells in possession with Humphries and Speirs going close on occasions.

Haddock dragged a penalty wide as the team's turned around with Letchworth still leading 10-0.

The second half started like the first for Harpenden. Fly half Donald launched another kick which caused chaos in the Harpenden backline and allowed the home side to cross for another seven points.

Harpenden slowly got themselves back into the match and a break from Barton saw Pattison up against the Letchworth full back with the Harpenden man coming out on top. Barton converted to get Harpenden up and running.

Unfortunately a missed clearance kick was fielded by Letchworth's Joe Shaw. The big centre fed Jarred McLutchie. Left winger Jean-Luke Marsden finished the move off for a well taken try which Donald converted. Alan Barton blasted his way past the covering defence to score under the posts with the extras duly added.

Letchworth strangled the game in an attempt to kill off the Harpenden challenge and their tactics worked as a miss-directed kick from Jon Barton was snapped up by Letchworth who added a further five points.

Harpenden had the last say crossing the line for another sevens points but it wasn't to be for the Men in Black.

Harpenden will be hoping they can get back to winning ways when they welcome the Civil Service to Redbourn Lane this weekend.

Civil Service have won four of their five games this season and will provide tough opposition for Joe Tennant's men.

n Harpenden's II had a better weekend running out 41-16 winners over Enfield Ignatians at Redbourn Lane.

The III also had a good win beating Fullerians 22-10 but the IV were beaten comfortably by Amersham & Chiltern 49-3.