Promotion hopes virtually over

Hitchin 10 Old Merchant Taylors 26

Hitchin's chances of gaining promotion all but disappeared when they lost at home to North London side Old Merchant Taylors.

The Hedgehogs must now rely on a major miracle as they are five points behind Saturday's conquerors with just three matches remaining.

Having only just lost away by two points earlier in the season, Hitchin assumed a win was on the cards without reckoning with the competitive elements of OMT.

From the kick off, the larger OMT pack tore into their smaller opponents and sustained pressure coupled with poor defence resulted in their centre scything through for a converted try.

Further poor tackling soon resulted in another converted try and Hitchin were having a bad day.

Things got even worse when, from a lineout, a catch and drive resulted in a third unanswered try for the visitors.

Suddenly the Hedgehogs woke up and a good attacking move ended when prop Sean McGinnity put in a chip kick, regathered the ball and crashed over for a try which made the score 19-5 at half time.

A stinging half-time team talk seemed to have stopped the rot when the home side came out fired up for the second half and within minutes scored a try.

A bullocking upfield drive by McGinnity followed by a break by 'Magic' Jones resulted in winger Chris Martin crossing in the corner.

This was to be Hitchin's final score as despite outstanding performances from Nick Panton, skipper Carwyn Morgan and McGinnity, the side continued to turnover or kick away quality possession which resulted in all their efforts getting them nowhere.

The game ended as poorly as it had begun with a weak clearance from the 22m line.

OMT launched a counter attack and a desperate covering tackle by Morgan resulted in a penalty try for the visitors and a yellow card for the skipper.

Hitchin's coaching team were not available for comment at the end of the match.

Other scores: Hitchin III 55 Mill Hill II 0; Welwyn V 19 Hitchin IV 26.