Old Hamptonians 5 Hitchin 8 Hitchin travelled to West London for the second consecutive weekend but this time there was a happier outcome. The hard-fought victory against Old Hamptonians was their first away win against them. With further changes from the

Old Hamptonians 5 Hitchin 8

Hitchin travelled to West London for the second consecutive weekend but this time there was a happier outcome.

The hard-fought victory against Old Hamptonians was their first away win against them.

With further changes from the previous week's team, the young Hedgehogs impressed their small band of supporters by the grit and determination in attack but particularly in defence.

They spent the last 25 minutes repelling a number of attacks on their line only to come away with the ball and clear to the touchline.

From the kick-off, Old Hamptonians targeted the Hitchin defence and only a thunderous touch clearance by skipper Robbie Vivian released the pressure.

After this Hitchin settled down and played some flowing rugby and the back line began to ask questions of the home side's defence.

Vinnie Kevans almost broke through on the wing after a fine passing move initiated by fly-half Vivian.

Meanwhile the pack were holding their own setting up fine lineout ball through Joe Benucci while young Nick Panton was harassing the home side's lineouts and stealing some crucial ball.

The stalemate was broken five minutes before half time when a fine lineout take by Benucci off the top was quickly passed to scrum-half Dan Squire.

Quick passing and a miss-move including full-back Lee Sheldrake coming into the line saw the final pass to winger Chris Martin with time and space to score an unconverted try in the corner.

After half time Hitchin attacked from the off and a penalty resulted in Squire kicking a goal for a welcome three points requiring Hamptonians to score twice.

The Hedgehogs then relaxed and let the home side back in the game and poor defence allowed them to score a try in the corner.

Hitchin saw out the rest of the game, soaking up pressure and the final whistle brought scenes of celebration by the visiting team and their supporters.

Skipper Vivian said: "I was proud of the boys' commitment in laying their bodies on the line and our try showed the skill level we have.

"The work new coach Rico van Wyk has done in defence worked wonders and we can now look forward to our next home league game with confidence and enthusiasm."

Hitchin will play Verulamians at home in a battle of the bottom two on December 16.

Other scores: Hitchin II 17 Bishop's Stortford III 25; Hitchin III 0 Hertford V 50.