After three disappointing performances, Hitchin brought their A game to Old Hale Way to beat fourth-placed Grasshoppers 43-14.

Despite two yellow cards in the second half, Hitchin were always in control and took the initiative early when a clearance kick took play to the visitors’ 22 and captain James Bolter powered over for an unconverted try.

Hitchin lost winger Antoine Oget to injury with veteran Matt Lippard replacing him and they also conceded a try.

The Hedgehogs regrouped and scored two of their own before the break courtesy of Rhys Gregory and Barry Mellor with Adam Shaw and Harry Elleston converting for a 19-7 lead.

Second-half tries for Bolter, Gregory, Shaw and Nick Panton extended the hosts’ lead, the last a Bolter run-in from 30 metres following a quickly taken penalty.

This Saturday Hitchin travel to Datchworth for the last league game of the season.