IGNATIANS LOOK TO THE FUTURE IN THE WAKE OF THEIR CURRENT PREDICAMENT

COUNTIES ONE HERTS-MIDDLESEX: FEBRUARY 24

RUISLIP 76 ENFIELD IGNATIANS 17

ENFIELD IGNATIANS will turn their attentions to rebuilding for next season given that that relegation from Counties One Herts-Middlesex – bar wholesale restructuring of the leagues – is looking increasingly likely, writes Jonathan Landi.

Currently propping up the table, and well detached from the rest of the peloton, a situation exacerbated by the docking of ten points after forfeiting two fixtures, their current predicament does at least present a good opportunity to reset for the future.

However, to their credit, they are intent on keeping going through thick and thin, and although well ultimately well held by Ruislip 76-17 at Twyford Avenue last Saturday, the game was anything but a meaningless rubber as far as the visitors were concerned.

As despite being underpowered, and with players playing out of position, which included two forwards in the backline, including vice-captain Euan Renny at centre, they set themselves the objective of securing a bonus point by scoring four tries.

They almost succeeded, having crossed the whitewash three times via the increasingly influential Tom McDougall (neat footwork and dummy), their speedy Romanian U18s international Erik Nagy (via a kick-through) and the experienced Frank Antwi.

The latter, his usual hive of energy, powered his way over after a series of pick and go’s from the scrum.

Ben Roper, another promising prospect, added two conversions as Ignatians, despite being reduced to 14 after Paul Duke was forced off injured after 20 minutes, as the team to a man toiled manfully for most of the 80 minutes a man light.

Ignatians have four more fixtures left and are away to Old Streetonians at Hackney Marshes on Saturday, March 2.

If Ignatians are to rebuild, they can do a lot worse than bank on youth and eventually trawling into their improving U16s side which ended February unbeaten after beating the league leaders, Ealing B, from the division above, by a convincing 26-12 at Donkey Lane (Feb 25), could be one step forward.