(APRIL 1) Four players from Enfield Ignatians colts' side were drafted in as part of a combined clubs side, also comprising Hampstead and Finchley, in the 49-5 defeat against the US touring side Granite Bay at Summers Lane (April 1).

For the record, the Enfield four on playing duty at the home of Finchley RFC were Ollie Webb, Henry Sibley, Ben Roper and Jack Hanna.

Granite Bay boast an excellent domestic record, and their slickness and fluidity, particularly out wide, stood them in very good stead as they soon clicked into gear. Consequently, the scores soon followed.

As is often the case with combined teams, the ring of unfamiliarity impacts on cohesiveness, but they stuck at it through thick and thin, put in some good tackles, and were eventually rewarded with a consolation try.

James Sibley, the father of Henry Sibley, said: “It was very last minute exercise but it was good experience for the boys. “

(APRIL 2: GIRLS’ RUGBY) The Middlesex U18s game versus Buckinghamshire was cancelled but two of our girls from that age group, Jess and Chloe, still got game time as part of a cluster team which took on Welwyn at Hobbs Lane on Sunday, April 2.

The duo combined with a sextet from Fullerians and two players from Finchley, as the visitors took on a very well-drilled Welwyn, whose girls’ section has produced a steady stream of Red Roses’ talent.

Given that a number of the visitors were playing out of position, the cluster team struggled against a bigger and physical Welwyn outfit, whose cohesiveness ensured that they were well on top in this period of the game.

Despite being outgunned, the cluster team delivered a much improved second-half display, which resulted in a brace of tries.

There’s no escaping that this was a tough day at the office but ultimately the experience will benefit the girls long term.