Bank bail out!
Bank of England 22 Hitchin 20 The Bank were bailed out by a late try to snatch victory against the Hedgehogs. Hitchin took the lead no less than four times, only to lose to a last minute try. Due to severe traffic jams, the kick-off was delayed by 15 minu
Bank of England 22 Hitchin 20
The Bank were bailed out by a late try to snatch victory against the Hedgehogs.
Hitchin took the lead no less than four times, only to lose to a last minute try.
Due to severe traffic jams, the kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes, by which time Hitchin had 16 players available.
With no time for the usual warm-up, the visitors were straight into the fray, but took the lead with an unconverted try after five minutes.
Tom Lawman came on for the injured Joff Lord, and with the rest of the Hitchin team now arriving, the Bank launched an attack resulting in a try under the posts to level the score, the conversion failing.
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Hitchin stormed back, and Vinnie Kevans now breached the hosts' defence to take them into the lead again at 10-5.
The Hitchin back line was working well, much improved on the previous week, but both defences held out before half time arrived with no further scores.
The Bank started the second half with a converted try and lead by two points.
But the visitors came back with a try in the corner from back row forward Aidan Barnett to regain the lead at 15-12.
Minutes later the Bank three quarters broke through some weak tackling to take the score to 15-17 in their favour.
With coach Dave Marshall making substitutions with 20 minutes to go, Jack Peachey announced his presence with a try, again unconverted.
Hitchin were now leading by 20-17 with five minutes on the clock but the hosts broke away in their 22 and forced their way upfield. A kick ahead by their left wing and a dash for the line brought what was to be the last score of the game.
Captain Carwyn Morgan said: "In such a competitive and even match it was great to see the boys play so well and with such commitment.
"They have a lot to take forward into the coming weeks."
Other scores: Hitchin II 19 Old Albanians III 27, Hitchin IV 56 Chesham II 7.
