Welwyn RFC make it six wins in a row by beating Hampstead

The 22-15 win at home to Hampstead made it six straight successes in Counties One Herts Middlesex, a run that has catapulted the Hobbs Way-based rugby club up to fifth.

They survived the rain to do so, the pitch at their HQ passing an inspection 24 hours earlier, although it was still on the soggy side when play started.

But the conditions did dictate the style of game the watching public would see, and fortunately for Welwyn, it meant they could utilise their impressive pack.

And even with a number of people playing out of position, they were able to make a bright start against a determined Hampstead team.

It took 15 minutes for them to finally breach the Hampstead line.

The pack pushed towards the visitors back and when the ball came out of a ruck, Jake Riley ran a beautiful looping line to go over for a score.

The conversion was missed, however, and kicking boots were clearly left at home as a penalty in front of the posts moments later was also off target.

To be fair, the underfoot conditions played their part, making kicking difficult for both teams.

But it was from one kick that did not go to plan that Welwyn got their second score.

Liam Schofield's attempt to find touch went awry but was gathered by team-mate Riley.

Some great interplay between him and full-back Phil Ryan sent Welwyn deep into the Hampstead 22 and with the forwards now in command, Jed Hunter found the gap to score.

Again the conversion was missed though and the teams trudged off at the break with Welwyn 10-0 in front.

The second half put what little breeze there was at Welwyn's backs but it raised the expectation levels of the home support.

It was a slow start though and Hampstead took advantage working an overlap and going over in the corner, although they too couldn't land the conversion.

The score did wake Welwyn up though and they were given a further boost when the visitors received a yellow card for a high tackle.

Welwyn saw their chance and attacked quickly. 

Liam Scofield was involved in the build-up to Welwyn's third try. Picture: PETER SHORT (Image: Peter Short)

A miss-pass from Schofield fell to Jayden Sutherland and he went over for his first try of the season. 

Kai Wells stepped up and slotted the conversion giving Welwyn a 17-5 lead and they continued to press.

Josh Milton, skipper of Welwyn Rugby Club. Picture: WELWYN RFC (Image: Welwyn Rugby Club)

But following a passage of play close to the Hampstead line, captain Josh Milton infringed and was shown yellow.

Fortunately that was nullified when Hampstead picked up another yellow shortly after another high tackle.

From the penalty, Welwyn kicked to the corner and following a number of attempts to cross the line, Riley got the ball and crashed over for his second and a bonus point for the hosts.

The conversion was again missed but Welwyn had what looked like a comfortable lead and time on their side.

The game was not done though and some nice passing from the Hampstead backs brought one try and loose play from the restart allowed the away team to gather, kick ahead, and win the foot race for a third unconverted score.

Time was truly against though with the final whistle coming straight after but the losing bonus point could prove crucial in their battle against relegation.

For Welwyn though, tails are up and they will have plenty of confidence ahead of another home game on Saturday, this one against eighth-placed Ruislip.

Datchworth's tough season continues though as they lost 57-7 away to leaders London Scottish Lions, dropping below Hampstead in the process and into the bottom two.

They host third-placed Chiswick on Saturday.