Hatfield QE Rugby Club have been enjoying some competitive late season fixtures as they continue to prepare for the new campaign.

A late fightback in their latest outing, against Ongar, wasn't enough to prevent defeat, Hatfield going down 45-35.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Hatfield's Jim Copper makes a tackle on a Biggleswade player.Hatfield's Jim Copper makes a tackle on a Biggleswade player. (Image: Hatfield QE Rugby Club)

The squad, a mix of young, old and guests, shipped four tries in the opening 20 minutes against the youthful Essex outfit but slowly they clawed their way back into things

Jake Tibble, Damien Poulter and James Ryan all crossed the whitewash, the latter after great work from Konrad Konwalik, playing only his second game.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Joel Nziza of Hatfield QE looks to evade two wannabe Biggleswade tacklers.Joel Nziza of Hatfield QE looks to evade two wannabe Biggleswade tacklers. (Image: Hatfield QE Rugby Club)

And with Jacob Locke-Gotel, man of the match player Sam Wilkes and Charlie Gibbs all to the fore, Hatfield felt they could go on and win it.

However, a late score for the visitors killed off the momentum and left Ongar the victors.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Dan Prowse on his way to his try for Hatfield QE against Biggleswade.Dan Prowse on his way to his try for Hatfield QE against Biggleswade. (Image: Hatfield QE Rugby Club)

One week earlier they had lost another close match, this one 14-10 at Biggleswade.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Stuart Yule on the way to his try for Hatfield QE against Biggleswade.Stuart Yule on the way to his try for Hatfield QE against Biggleswade. (Image: Hatfield QE Rugby Club)

Dan Prowse and Stuart Yule scored for HQE but the two conversions scored by the hosts proved crucial.