After a disappointing day on the road last week, the u14 coaches were looking for a reaction from the boys as we welcomed Letchworth Garden City to Wrights Meadow for the first time. With several changes to the team, some enforced and some experimental (with some players trying new positions), there was an intensity to the warmup that was lacking last week.
Perhaps the cold weather affected the boys as another lethargic start saw the visitors draw first blood with an early try. Unlike last week, however, the young Buzzards responded positively with tries by Jamie (converted by Evan) and Jacob seeing Leighton go into half time with a 12-5 lead.
With our opponents short on numbers after a couple of injuries (and thank you Joe and Lewis for playing for Letchworth in the second half to help them out) and playing uphill, the second half was likely to favour the fresher Buzzard legs, with only the hard-working forward trio of Arthur, Callum and Jamie playing the full game for The Buzz. Tries from Ade (3), Liam and Ethan, together with three conversions for Oscar, making a welcome return to the team after injury, saw Leighton Buzzard finish with a clinical 43-5 win which in no way reflected the effort and endeavour of Letchworth.
A word, too, for our opponents. Fluid with the ball and committed throughout even when tiring, they were gracious in defeat and a pleasure to host.