Purley kings

HITCHIN s first team won the battle of the lacrosse big boys at the weekend. They gunned down fellow title-chasers Purley to put themselves in the driving seat for a second successive domestic title. The defending Men s South of England League Premier D

HITCHIN's first team won the battle of the lacrosse 'big boys' at the weekend.

They gunned down fellow title-chasers Purley to put themselves in the driving seat for a second successive domestic title.

The defending Men's South of England League Premier Division champions raced to a deserved 12-6 triumph.

And victory means they are now nine points clear of their rivals at the summit, although Purley do have two games in hand.

"That was a massive win," said McDermott, who scored twice in his side's victory.

"We couldn't have afforded to lose that match because we would have given Purley the advantage.

"I kept my thoughts to myself before the match because I didn't want to put pressure on the rest of the players.

"But that has to be the best mentally prepared we've been for any game I've played at the club.

"We came out strong - and to win is a big boost."

Attacker Travis Robb, playing his last game for the club before returning to his job in the US Air Force (where he has been posted to Kuwait for four months), finished with a bang.

Robb top scored with four goals, while a brace from Eamon Thornton and further goals from Josh Grossman, Johnny Harry, Jim Mullaley and Pete Sylvester.

Hitchin were always in front and won the first quarter 4-1, although Purley won the next 3-1 to only trail by a goal at half-time.

However, the home side won the third quarter 2-1 and then ran away with the final quarter 5-1.

Hitchin A had a comfortable 23-6 win away to Canterbury.