Finchley 29-10 Hitchin
The match got off to a good start for Finchley, who retained possession of the ball for the majority of the opening play. Hitchin’s defence was formidable, shutting out Finchley until late into the first half, when a maul was driven over the line for the first points.
Hitchin were down to 14 men following what was judged to be a high tackle, when Finchley again formed a maul on the 5m line, which was judged to be collapsed, resulting in a penalty try and a further card at half-time.
With limited possession in the first half and 13 men on the field for the second half, Hitchin were able to largely shut down any threat from Finchley, slowing the game down well. However, another try was conceded through tiring bodies, failing to make a tackle.
Hitchin eventually got one on the board, with James Bolter picking from the base of a ruck and driving over.
Finchley managed to answer with further tries, before Marcus Goss dotted down Hitchin’s final try of the game, capitalising on a majestic cross-field kick and hitting the finishing yards at pace.