This was always likely to be a difficult fixture for Welwyn, despite Hitchin’s lowly league position and this indeed proved to be the case. Hitchin scored four tries and took the lead with only fifteen minutes to play, but Welwyn finished strongly to maintain their third place position in the league, just two points behind leaders Grasshoppers. Vice-Captain Adam Harcourt bagged a hat trick of tries and Welwyn’s backs looked dangerous every time they received good possession.

The referee allowed the game to start despite an obvious colour clash and it was not until half time that he instructed Hitchin to change into their alternative blue strip. Hitchin started the match strongly and took the lead after five minutes with a try out wide. Five minutes later, Welwyn were level after Dan Webb forced a turnover and the ball was moved left for centre Aaron Chandler to touch down. After twenty minutes, Hitchin took a ball against the head and scored a converted try to take the lead at 12-5, but on the half hour, Welwyn evened things up again. A poor kick ahead by Hitchin was gratefully gathered up by Welwyn and Chandler beat five defenders before feeding Adam Harcourt who scored close to the posts. Harry DiLieto converted to level the scores at 12-12. Just before half time, a good break by Rob Picken put Welwyn in an excellent field position from which skipper William Freeston drove over to take Welwyn into a half time lead of 12-17.

The second half started with a spell of ill-discipline by both teams. Welwyn scrum half Yourgos Alexander received a yellow card for careless use of the boot and minutes later the referee brandished a red card to a Hitchin player for dangerous use of the elbow and a yellow card to Webb for retaliation. Although temporarily reduced to 13 players, Welwyn continued to attack and Picken scored to extend Welwyn’s lead to 12-22. Hitchin then had their best period of the match, despite playing the last half hour with fourteen men. The referee awarded them a penalty try from a scrum offence and very soon afterwards they scored an unconverted try from close quarters. With only fifteen minutes left to play, Hitchin were leading 24-22. Welwyn’s superior backs had the final say, however, as Adam Harcourt crossed twice in the last seven minutes of the game, one try being converted by his brother Rory.

Welwyn now have a week off from league action before entertaining Finchley at home on 9th December.