There was a surprise guest at training for the youngsters of Letchworth Rugby Club - Danny Dyer.

The Eastenders star, who has been filming a comedy for Sky in Hatfield recently, was part of a visiting team who were playing one of the Letchworth sides.

A spokesman for the club said: "He stayed around and had photos taken in the bar and thoroughly enjoyed his morning." 

The club were in need of a little pick-me-up after the senior men's side saw their unbeaten run in Regional One South East come to an end.

The league leaders had gone into the game at home to Old Northamptonians with seven wins from seven.

But that's where the luck ended as the visitors won 37-34, with Letchworth also losing their grip on top spot, falling three points behind Oundle who did make it eight from eight.

Northampton are now third, four points behind Letchworth.

One week earlier Letchworth had to come from behind to beat Tring in a match that saw plenty of good defending early on.

The same was true here, visiting full-back Joe Heslop ruling the roost with a wonderful display of counter running and kicking.

A string of penalties eventually tempted him to take the points and with Letchworth turning the ball over at an alarming rate, and losing Charlie Parkhouse to a yellow card, the opening try came from a line-out that was mauled over the line, Heslop adding the extras.

Parkhouse's return and a forwards rumble settled the hosts though and allowed Tom Lewis to score from close range but the ONs hit back with a try for Joel Grayson, picking up a loose Nana Asiedu pass and out sprinting the cover defence.

However, the Legends' winger made up for that 10 minutes later with a try of his own in the corner, scoring just after a penalty had been landed to leave them 17-15 behind.

The second half was much of the same, disjointed by errors and penalties.

Letchworth did take the lead for the first time though, putting together several phases from an line-out, Josh Sharp freeing Max Trimble who ran into space to give Asiedu his second try.

However, they then produced an untidy set-piece and Lochlan Brown responded for Northampton, going in under the posts.

Card trouble also hurt Letchworth, Josh Walker and Sharp both seeing yellow and yet despite this a catch and drive from a line-out brought a home score and a bonus point.

Heslop landed a penalty though for ONs to level things up at 27-27 and they then had a try for Callum Burns as Letchworth were caught napping by a quick line-out.

Heslop landed another penalty, his third of the afternoon, to give the visitors a 10-point lead with seven minutes remaining, but Letchworth replied from a quick tap, Chris Gibbs and Trimble involved as Walker scored.

Sharp added his third conversion but even with late pressure in the final two minutes, ONs held on for the win.

There was no joy elsewhere either.

Hitchin were beaten 45-10 away to Cheshunt in Counties One Herts Middlesex, Cheshunt staying third while Hitchin remain sixth, albeit nine points clear of the relegation-threatened pack in a distinct two-tier division.

In Counties Three meanwhile Stevenage Town went down 39-12 at home to league leaders Thamesians.