OLD ABBOTSTONIANS 14 v HITCHIN 29

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Hitchin achieved the double over Old Abbotstonians with a victory on a heavy pitch at Hayes. The Hitchin game plan to play the open game and attack from all positions was hampered somewhat by the heavy conditions, and on a firmer pitch the visitors could well have run in more tries

OAs kicked off with the strong wind behind them. Hitchin attacked at every opportunity. A break by man of the match Aidan Barnett nearly produced a try for Adam Shaw, who was held up on the try line. However, it was OAs who opened the scoring when a Hitchin attack broke down in midfield, for the opposition to kick through, chase up and score to take the lead 7 – 0. Hitchin continued to spread the ball wide, but a combination of running into contact and good covering tackles from the opposition bought no results.
The issue of a yellow card to the OAs gave the visitors the initiative, and following good handling by Scott and Larman, Thomas crossed for a try, which he converted to bring the scores level at half time.

It was now Hitchin’s turn to benefit from the wind, and following a crafty kick ahead by Rob Vivian. the visitors put pressure on the OA’s line. Adam Shaw [injured] was replaced by Simon Beadel, before a break by “Magic” Jones resulted in him scoring wide out, converted by Phil Thomas to take the lead. Five minutes late Beadel finished off a flowing move, following a turn over, to score, this time the conversion failing. The home side now fought back, launching two attacks which were stopped by good defence. Vinnie Kevans left the field, which forced Hitchin to bring on James Drury to the pack, moving flanker Stewart Roberts to centre.

Hitchin continued to run the ball, even from under their posts, but last minute tackling denied them more points. Another yellow card for the hosts was followed almost immediately by a penalty concerted by Thomas to give Hitchin a 22-7 lead. In open play only a marginal forward pass by Roberts stopped Beadel from increasing the lead.
Joe Benucci replaced the excellent Chris Davies [a victim of an undetected head stamping]. OA’s broke from their 22 and slipped the defence to run in a converted try.
Hitchin replied with a further try, scored by Stewart Rogers following a break by James Larman, to bring the wining score to 29 – 14.

This win takes the Hedgehogs to third place in the league, with a game in hand.

The postponed match v. Old Actonians will be played at Hirchin on 2 Feb.

Other results

Hertord Exiles 17 – Hitchin 2 XV 5
Cheshunt 3 XV 8 – Hitchn 3 XV 10
Fullerians 4 XV 28 – Hitchin 4 XV 26