HITCHIN are flying high at the top of the Men s South of England Lacrosse League. The defending Premier Division champions grabbed their third win on the spin on Saturday. They edged former league winners Purley 10-6 in one of the season s crunch clashes

HITCHIN are flying high at the top of the Men's South of England Lacrosse League.

The defending Premier Division champions grabbed their third win on the spin on Saturday.

They edged former league winners Purley 10-6 in one of the season's crunch clashes this far.

And it was skipper Steve McDermott and American player-coach Josh Grossman who starred with hat-tricks, while Travis Robb, Jim Mullaley, Johnny Harry and Ian Thomason were also on target.

McDermott said: "It was an excellent team performance, but we had injures to both of our American players and that gave Purley a chance to get back at us."

Attacker Eamon Thornton (ankle) and midfielder Mullaley (back) both limped off injured in the first half.

Having led 7-2 at the break, Hitchin had to be strong defensively to keep the home side at bay.

McDermott added: "Purley came strong in the second half, but everyone rallied round to make sure we got the win.

"Our defence was really strong and our game plan worked. It was a very pleasing performance."

His side play Walcountian Blues in their next match this Saturday.

Men's South of England League, Premier Division results (Saturday, October 21): Bath 7 Walcountian Blues 16, Purley 6 Hitchin 10, Reading Wildcats 10 Spencer 8.