Hitchin 17 Barnet Elizabethans 8 Hitchin showed they have what it takes to compete with the best of the league above in reaching the last four of the Herts Presidents Trophy. Both teams are fighting for promotion in their respective leagues but it was th

Hitchin 17 Barnet Elizabethans 8

Hitchin showed they have what it takes to compete with the best of the league above in reaching the last four of the Herts Presidents' Trophy.

Both teams are fighting for promotion in their respective leagues but it was the Hedgehogs who won the day.

Barnet kicked themselves down the field to the Hitchin 22. An infringement from the home side gave Barnet a penalty in front of the posts which was duly converted.

Simon Beadel put Hitchin into the lead, after a turnover from the forwards allowed him to put winger Sam Wilson in space out wide.

A foot race to the corner saw Wilson draw the defence and then move the ball back inside to Beadel.

Hitchin were awarded a penalty from offside just outside the Barnet 22 but unfortunately the wind picked up at the last minute to blow Phil Thomas' kick wide.

The first half continued with Hitchin in control and ended in a maul being driven 25 yards by their pack to bring them close to the Barnet line.

But the maul was brought down and the referee blew for half time.

Hitchin made the most of the elements in the second half and kicked to the corners.

Nick Panton was once again on good form securing Hitchin lineout ball.

The front row of Joff Lord, Sean McGinnity and man of the match Richard Stidolph were also on form pressurising the Barnet scrum.

This pressure led to a penalty being awarded on the Barnet five-metre line. A quick tap saw McGinnity crash over to score.

The visitors came back with the bit between their teeth and managed to camp inside the Hedgehogs 22.

This pressure resulted in Barnet being awarded a penalty in front of the posts but the kicker struggled with the wind and his attempt went wide.

The home side were not let off for long with Barnet soon back in the Hitchin 22. Continued pressure from the visitors saw them rumble the ball over the line.

Hitchin then penned Barnet in their own 22.

A lofty kick from birthday boy Robert Vivian saw the Barnet full-back struggle with an awkward bounce.

Beadel was able to make the most of this bit of luck to recover the ball and score in the corner.

Thomas successfully converted his most difficult kick of the day to make the score 17-8.

Promotion-chasing Hitchin look forward to their league clash with second place Old Merchant Taylors at home this Saturday.