Hitchin 1XV extended their unbeaten league record to nine consecutive wins out of nine, but nearly paid for their complacency in this match, away against Staines.

 The pack, who had laid the foundation of the season’s success to date, were not allowed to dictate terms in the scrummaging, nor did the lineout operate well. At times poor tackling, much improved this season, gave  Staines the opportunity to gain ground in mid-field

Hitchin were penalised early on but the kick missed the posts; they soaked up  some pressure, and after 10 minutes produced some good rugby to get into the opposition 22.  A quickly taken penalty resulted in James Bolter going over but he was held up.  From the scrum, the ball went wide and eventually found centre Jon Whitby, who went over for a try,  Ben Wiggins adding the points from the touchline

As half-time approached, with heavy rain adding to the windy conditions, Hitchin came close to scoring with a good chase of a kick ahead

Early in the second-half Staines were awarded a penalty but the attempt at goal went wide.

Hitchin struck back with a strong run by James Bolter from the 22, to go over for an unconverted try.

The game became scrappy and a yellow card was shown to one player from either team and exchanges of penalties continued, with Staines being successful with one to make the scoreline 3 – 12 in favour of the visitors.

Staines used the strong wind well to gain a territorial advantage, but the Hitchin defence held out and although the play switched between the respective 22s there was no further score.

Far from their best performance, Hitchin will need to improve for the fixture against St Albans at Old Hale Way on Saturday, in the first match of the second half of the season

Team James Akrill, Thomas Tidey, James Bolter, Jonathan Welsford, Matthew Trussell, Pierre De Rancourt, Ruiri Shanahan, Armel Baufume, Daniel Wiggins, Ben Wiggins, William Evans, Jonathan Whitby, Carwyn Morgan, William Rooney, Alistair Southward

Subs William Sale, Frederick Rooney, Adam Howard

Scores T: James Bolter (1), Jonathan Whitby (1) C: Ben Wiggins (1)

 The league: Herts/Middlesex 1