CUP DISPLAY IS THE FIRST STEP ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

PAPA JOHN CUP: APRIL 13

CHINGFORD 40 ENFIELD IGNATIANS 28

Enfield Ignatians wrapped up their season with a game display in the 40-28 away loss to Chingford in the Round-of-16 knockout stages of the Papa John Community Cup (Counties One South Shield section) at Waltham Way last Saturday (13 April).

Despite the defeat, Ignatians, with half an eye on next season, took the opportunity to variously give further game time /blood a number of promising prospects, including the likes of Erik Nagy, Ben Villamor and Declan Linnane.

All showed flashes of their undoubted potential and, with the club seeking to rebuild for next season, the blooding of young players will certainly be a key facet in the area of recruitment.

Struggling for cohesion in the first period in warm conditions, Ignatians also suffered on the scoreboard, and Chingford gave the visitors the run around by scoring four tries without reply to lead 28-0 at the break despite having a player sin-binned.

Although Ignatians left a couple of tries out on the paddock they were at least making their tackles, and they did well at times to stall the momentum of Chingford’s rampaging lock forwards, with Jake Baker faring particularly well in the close combat exchanges.

Chingford went further ahead early in the second period but, with their discipline found wanting in the shape of having two further players yellow-carded, they openly invited a sterling fightback from the visitors.

Far more cohesive in the set-piece and at the breakdown and, with the passes at last starting to go to hand, Ignatians finally had the attacking platform they craved, and a grandstand finish yielded four tries.

Breaking from a 5m scrum Euan Renny’s excellent carry, plus turn and swivel, set up the supporting MOM Nathan Clarke, with the latter, impressing via the quality of his support play, also latching on to some good work from Calum Middleton to later secure his brace.

Ignatians’ aggressive defensive press also yielded dividends as they managed to secure a priceless turnover inside the Chingford 22, with the forwards subsequently flexing their collective muscles before Calum Middleton burst his way over.

Finishing on a high, Ignatians also had the final say. An overcooked Ignatians’ kick should easily have been cleared by Chingford. Instead, they got into a right tangle behind their own try line, and Lawrence Loo flourished in the mayhem to claim an opportunistic try.

Fly-half Paul Duke also caught the mood. Not only did he get the line moving, he proved flawless from the tee by potting all four conversions.
Although Ignatians were left with too much leeway to make up on the scoreboard, they will reflect that they could scored two more tries, with the most glaring miss being when they fatally lost control of the ball when attempting to dot down the leather.

Euan Renny, here, there and everywhere, was arguably unlucky not to have secured a penalty try for his side, having been taken out by a Chingford player in a clear offside position with the line beckoning, although it was sanctioned by a yellow card. Still, there were some encouraging signs in advance of what should prove an interesting journey in the months ahead.