HITCHIN still top the Men s South of England Lacrosse League but the defending champs were taken the distance by arch rivals Hampstead. Steve McDermott s team had to to settle for a share of the spoils after a thrilling 9-9 draw at Crowthorne Road. Leadin

HITCHIN still top the Men's South of England Lacrosse League but the defending champs were taken the distance by arch rivals Hampstead.

Steve McDermott's team had to to settle for a share of the spoils after a thrilling 9-9 draw at Crowthorne Road.

Leading 3-1 after the first quarter and then 7-1 at half-time, the defending league champions looked well placed to register their fifth win of the season.

But having lost the third quarter 5-1, Hitchin saw Hampstead square the match with two minutes left.

American Eamon Thornton top scored for Hitchin with four goals, while skipper McDermott and John Harry bagged braces, and Travis Robb also found the back of the net.

The Hitchin skipper admitted: "We played alright but I'm a little disheartened that we allowed Hampstead to get a draw. We never thought that would happen

"We let ourselves down in the third quarter and went to sleep a little bit, but credit to Hampstead, they gave us a great game. Every time we'd score, they hit back and score. It was end-to-end stuff but they capitalised on our mistakes, so I'm glad we didn't lose.

"A lot of refereeing decisions went against us as well, which didn't help."

Hitchin's A team edged a close encounter with Hertfordshire Comets. The club's second string held on for a 9-8 win in the Second Division of the East League.