Welwyn visited Hitchin on Saturday in a mid-table clash. It was Hitchin RFC's Christmas Lunch and many of the club members made the wise decision to stay in the clubhouse rather than brave the strong wind and rain outside.

The weather played a huge part in the game making handling difficult and, as a result, there was no score in the first 20 minutes. It was a half that also saw two yellow cards for Welwyn for "tip tackles" which stretched Welwyn's defence at times.

Hitchin got the first score crashing over the line after a scrum in the Welwyn 22. The conversion was successful. Welwyn were playing into the wind and made a few good breaks but missed out on the final play, Kai Wells in particular was causing problems for the Hitchin team. Eventually, Welwyn managed to get into the Hitchin 22 and following some strong forward play Tommy Laing went over in the corner. The tough conversion attempt into the wind was missed and at half time the score was 7-5 to Hitchin.

The second half saw the wind predominantly behind Welwyn and much of the game was played in the Hitchin half. The wind and rain were still making the game very difficult and Hitchin managed to hold the ball up over the line twice before Welwyn finally crossed the line following a dominant scrum and skipper Josh Milton scored. Absolom Makoni converted and Welwyn were in the lead 7-12.

Scoring was proving difficult for both sides and with 15 minutes to go Hitchin managed to get into the Welwyn 22 and win a penalty. At that point half the floodlights went out and the teams retreated to the changing rooms while the problem was sorted out. Once the lights were back on Hitchin took advantage of the break and managed to score a try and convert it, giving them a 14-12 lead. Welwyn camped in the Hitchin half for the rest of the game but despite three 5m scrums in the dying minutes, they were unable to score before the final whistle went.

Welwyn welcome Old Streetonians to Hobbs Way on Saturday.