The tally of entertaining games at Welwyn Rugby Club was moved up by one after a cracking contest at home to Hampstead.

Welwyn held on to a hard-earned 34-30 success in Counties One Herts Middlesex in a game that saw the teams share 10 tries.

Former skipper Adam Harcourt returned with two of the hosts' scores with Vetaia Kawea, Josh Milton, Will Freeston and Dan Comben adding the others.

The ex-captain got the ball rolling with a try in the corner but Hampstead kicked a penalty almost immediately and by the break they had another successful kick and two tries, one converted, for an 18-12 lead.

Freeston had got the Welwyn score, the final touch to a catch and drive from a line-out but it was the away side who scored first after the break with a seven-point score.

The move though had seen a nasty head injury to one of the visitors and while he was treated, play was switched to the adjacent pitch.

That delay allowed Welwyn to reset properly and four tries in seven minutes turned the game on its head.

Another line-out maul gave Milton his try before Comben powered over.

Harcourt's second was again in the corner, converted with a fine kick by Kawea, and from the kick-off the kicker got his try, finishing off a 50-metre run from Milton.

A final Hampstead score, which thankfully went unconverted, still had the home fans nervous but their heroes hung on for a valuable five league points.

Welwyn are now fourth in the table with a trip to Enfield Ignatians up next.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Hatfield QE get the shove on against Harlow.Hatfield QE get the shove on against Harlow. (Image: Gee Steele)

Hatfield Queen Elizabeth lost 38-22 away to Harlow thirds in a game played firmly with the spirit of rugby.

The visitors had arrived with only 12 players but were given three from Harlow and it allowed them to give a strong account of themselves.

The hosts scored under the posts within a few minutes but Hatfield's strong scrum kept them in the contest.

They turned round 17-5 behind, Dan Prowse getting the HQE try, and after the break a lightning break by Junior Nduamo saw him score under the posts for Charlie Gibbs to convert.

And although Harlow kept the scoreboard ticking over, Hatfield were able to get two more tries with second row Damien Poulter crashing over the line for the final score.

Hatfield will host Datchworth seconds at Roe Hill Hall on Saturday.