Hitchin 25 West London 24 Hitchin got home by just one point to continue their push for a promotion place. With Old Merchant Taylors losing, just one point separates the two teams in the race for second place. After early exchanges, pressure from the home

Hitchin 25 West London 24

Hitchin got home by just one point to continue their push for a promotion place.

With Old Merchant Taylors losing, just one point separates the two teams in the race for second place.

After early exchanges, pressure from the home team led to an unconverted try by James Larman.

Following a take against the head by the Hitchin pack, a missed pass from Rob Vivian to Jimmy Scott enabled him to put Larman in.

With Simon Banner receiving a yellow card, West London took the initiative and following pressure on the Hitchin line went over for an unconverted try to level the score.

After half an hour, a penalty was converted by Phil Thomas to give the hosts the lead.

Man of the match Vinnie Kevans burst through in loose play but lost control of the ball. Next Adam Shaw crossed the line only to be pulled back for a forward pass.

West London replied with a second unconverted try to take the lead.

Hitchin were restored to 15 men, before a break by skipper Carwyn Morgan led to a passing movement finishing with Jimmy Scott scoring.

Minutes later, Kevans picked up the ball in loose play and crashed through to score, Thomas adding the points for a half-time lead of 20-10.

The visitors kicked off and immediately took play to Hitchin's line and after concerted pressure, scored a converted try.

An excellent attacking move by Hitchin came to nothing as possession was lost. Another strike against the head resulted in Kevans all but scoring in the corner.

Again West London attacked the line and were rewarded with a try under the posts, duly converted, to take the lead 24-20.

Pat Hurst, making his debut for the side, replaced the injured James Drury, and Mike Jones came on for Vivian, with Morgan taking the scrum-half slot.

A break by Scott put Jones in for another unconverted try.

West London fought back, and gave Hitchin some worrying moments for the final 10 minutes before the referee's whistle brought relief for the players and supporters.

The Hedgehogs travel to unbeaten league leaders Chiswick this Saturday.

Other scores: Fullerians III 31 Hitchin II 12; Hitchin IV 53 Datchworth IV 3; Hitchin Ladies 5 Kilburn Cosmos 15.