West London 23 - Hitchin 15

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Hitchin went down to a late try against West London on Saturday. The game started brightly for Hitchin with the ball being moved across the pitch and it was only an infringement by the West London forwards that brought an early try scoring opportunity to an end

The resultant penalty was duly converted by Mick Jones and Hitchin took a 3 - 0 lead. Unfortunately some poor handling allowed the home side in for a break away try, somewhat against the run of play, and with that converted and a further penalty Hitchin had managed to engineer a 10 - 3 deficit by half time.

The second half play mirrored much of the previous half with Hitchin moving the ball wide at every opportunity. However poor finishing and 3 injuries to key players early in the second period proved to be writing on the wall for Hitchin. Jimmy Scott, back for his first game this season, always posed a threat for the opposition defensive line. It was a break from Scott that put Jones into space for a Hitchin score early on in the half. Jones, despite having a lot of work still to do, carved through the West London defence from the half way to touch down. His conversion then brought the sides level. Vinnie Kevans was next over the line for Hitchin with a strong drive through the West London line. The conversion was missed and the score remained at 15 - 10. Another break from Scott saw James Bull dive in at the corner only to have the referee disallow the score, considering there to have been a 'double movement' by Bull.

Hitchin continued to control much of the open play although 1st phase ball was becoming more and more scarce against a big set of opposition forwards. Two penalties put West London back in the lead. With the clock running out and Hitchin on the offensive once again a lack of concentration saw the ball turned over in midfield and the West London scrum half scramble in for a converted try. The 23 - 15 final score somewhat flattered the West London side. West London play a limited style of rugby but play it well and probably deserved the victory. The Hitchin game continues to be blighted by a lack of confidence and very poor finishing skills.

Other results

Hitchin 3 XV 27 - Upper Clapton A XV 7

Hitchin 4 XV 5 – Stevenage 5 XV 11