Barnet Elizabethans were unable to build on their victory against Datchworth after suffering a 23-14 defeat against Hitchin in London Three North West on Saturday.

With a tough fixture list on the horizon in March, Elizabethans knew a win would be important and started the contest brightly.

However, they didn’t turn that into points and Hitchin scored a converted try after a poor clearance kick.

Two penalties from Glyn Bayley reduced the deficit to one point but injuries to Dumie Sibanda and Jim Mansfield weakened their pack.

Barnet went into the break a point behind but after the restart both sides exchanged penalties before Hitchin crossed the line for a second time.

Hitchin added another penalty before a late try from Jonny Wilkins put Barnet in contention for a bonus point but the conversion was missed and Elizabethans had nothing to show for their efforts.