Hitchin travelled to Staines RFC, bottom of the league but with improved recent results
They started off with their usual generosity allowing Staines to score a converted try within the first two minutes.
The first 20 minutes saw Hitchin, with a weakened pack, struggling to get decent possession, and only getting into the Staines half a few times
Simple mistakes let them down and Staines were able to continue the pressure with a converted try after 28 minutes and another just before the break ,to make the score 19-0 in favour of the home team.
7 minutes after the restart Hitchin got two penalties which they kicked for linocuts on 5 metres, but could not convert the pressure into points ,until 6 minutes later when Captain. James Bolter scored a try close to the posts which was converted by Adam Shaw.
Staines made a brief encounter into the Hitchin half at 29 minutes and were awarded a penalty which they converted.
Hitchin scored a converted try on 35 minutes through Bolter, again converted by Shaw.
Dan Bendon was red carded just before the final for a retaliatory punch
Despite this set back, Hitchin retain their 6th place in the league
They will need to up their game in an important league match against 7th placed Kilburn Cosmos RFC , on Saturday at Old Hale Way
Team Sean McGinnity, Thomas Tidey, Harry Elleston, Ryan Arbon, Philip Hobbs, James Bolter, Anthony Williams, Elliot Gibson, Rhys Gregory, Ryan Godfrey, Harry Cartwright, Vincent Kevans, Matthew Houlden, Adam Shaw
Subs Daniel Barnes, Daniel Bendon, Carwyn Morgan
Scores T: James Bolter (2)
C: Adam Shaw (2)
Player(s) of Match 1. Daniel Barnes
The league: London North West 3