After two fine performances in defeat to two of the top sides in the division, Welwyn got back on the top step of the podium with success at Hitchin.

The Hobbs Way-based rugby club had gathered two bonus points in the games at London Scottish Lions and Chiswick and managed another five with a 27-14 success at Old Hale Way.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Josh Milton scored twice for Welwyn away to Hitchin. Picture: WELWYN RFCJosh Milton scored twice for Welwyn away to Hitchin. Picture: WELWYN RFC (Image: Welwyn Rugby Club)

The weather forecast had originally predicted dry weather but a breeze and periods of rain greeted the two sides, affecting the style of play for the afternoon.

But it was Welwyn who had by far the better of the first half, spending much of it in Hitchin territory.

They were rewarded for some excellent pressure and interplay when makeshift wing, Harry Peterkin, crashed over in the corner for a try.

Welwyn’s kicking has been a challenge since just before Christmas and this continued on Saturday although the first attempt following Peterkin’s try was from out wide.

But it was another week when Welwyn's pack was enjoying near total domination.

Skipper Josh Milton broke from the base of one scrum and attacked Hitchin.

A slick pass to Brendon Marume created a two-on-one for Welwyn and the pass to Kai Wells put him in the clear to score Welwyn’s second try. 

The match continued to be one of pressure from Welwyn and sturdy defence from Hitchin but late in the first half Welwyn had a scrum under the Hitchin posts.

More excellent pressure from the pack sent Milton over for a try which Wells converted for a 17-0 half-time lead.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Welwyn's Brendon Marume caused plenty of problems for Hitchin. Picture: WELWYN RFCWelwyn's Brendon Marume caused plenty of problems for Hitchin. Picture: WELWYN RFC (Image: Welwyn Rugby Club)

Welwyn’s dominance up front, both in the scrum and line-out, continued after the break and it was causing consternation for the Hitchin front row.

Welwyn pack to continue to apply pressure and with the hosts creaking, another reset set-piece created a second opportunity for Milton to get over the line giving Welwyn a four-try bonus point and a 22-0 lead.

They would add a fifth too as the pressure forced rash decisions from the Hedgehogs.

A kick through by Marume was picked up by the Hitchin full back, Elliot Gibson, on their line but his clearance was not as long as he would have wanted.

It went down the middle of the park allowing Welwyn to attack again and some slick hands put Phil Ryan in for the score.

Again though the kick was missed and the tide began to turn against them with some injury challenges.

Jake Rielly and Marume both had time off the field and although they returned, scrum-half Wells departed meaning a reshuffle of the backs that disrupted the solid defence lines that the team had. 

Hitchin took advantage of this and in the last 15 minutes managed to score two converted tries, the second one on the final whistle.

A spokesman for Welwyn said: "It was good to see us back to winning ways after a couple of difficult trips into London and the result leaves us in sixth place.

"Next week we are at home against rivals Datchworth and the team are hoping for a good turnout of supporters."

The Men in Green were also in action this week but fell to a 55-17 loss away to Old Streetonians.

They sit 10th, a point ahead of Hampstead in the bottom two with five games remaining.