Sinclair secures points

Cheshunt 16 Hitchin 17 A last-gasp try from flying winger Ritchie Sinclair saw Hitchin snatch victory over Herts rivals Cheshunt. The scoreline reflected what was a close, scrappy game. Hitchin started superbly through the forwards, catching and driving t

Cheshunt 16 Hitchin 17

A last-gasp try from flying winger Ritchie Sinclair saw Hitchin snatch victory over Herts rivals Cheshunt.

The scoreline reflected what was a close, scrappy game.

Hitchin started superbly through the forwards, catching and driving their way steadily up the field from a number of lineouts and mauls.

But after nearly 20 minutes of dominance, Hitchin surprisingly only had three points to show for it through a Paul Howard penalty.

This creditable defensive effort seemed to give Cheshunt's experienced pack confidence and they then began to play more of an offensive form of rugby.

They finally made their way into the Hitchin half and were rewarded with two successive penalties.

The game seemed to lack any direction as Cheshunt went in 6-3 up at the break.

The second half was a similar stop-start affair with Cheshunt starting the stronger of the two sides.

Their fly-half managed to dribble a drop goal attempt over before some ill-discipline from Hitchin saw Cheshunt awarded a penalty five metres from the line. Their captain tapped quickly and caught the Hitchin defence napping to dive over close to the posts.

This try was converted to see Cheshunt lead 16-3.

Hitchin finally begin to impose themselves on the game.

Following a series of bullocking runs from the young Hitchin front row of Marcus Moore, Jonathon 'Joff' Lord and Mark Drury, Hitchin found themselves on the Cheshunt line.

Quick thinking from captain Aidan Barnett and number eight Craig Blewett presented Moore with the opportunity to crash through two defenders and add to his steadily increasing try haul for the season. The try was converted by Howard.

With four minutes on the watch, Hitchin went on the attack from the kick-off, all 15 players getting their hands on the ball.

Again the forwards set the platform and created the space for the backs to get the ball to Sinclair.

He once again showed a clean pair of heels to run around the last line of defence and score under the posts with only moments left. Howard held his nerve to convert from in front to put Hitchin into the lead for the first time since the early stages.

Coach Mick Carey said: "It was another dogfight for us and again the boys showed their mettle.

"It's an away win and two league points.