The Enfield Tigers’ U12s team goes from strength to strength, and a great display in the Herts and Bucks Finals Day at Chinnor RFC on Sunday 16 April, following two wins and a draw from their three games, is indicative of the fact that this is very much a team on the rise, writes Jonathan Landi.

Carrying on from the win against Finchley and their bold display at the Eton Manor Tournament, the Enfield side took the ball by the horns in the opening match, having dominated Fullerians 6-1.

Quick to click into gear, Enfield thrived off a glut of good possession and they reaped a rich harvest as the Tigers roared their way into a 4-0 lead, before the Watford-based Fullerians eventually got a look-in with a try of their own.

However, the opposition score only seemed to galvanise the Tigers and they made the game safe with a couple more tries. They were clearly in their element – given the shorter game time and the way that the pitches were laid out.

Rosie B and Rosie J linked well together as first and second receiver, with Rosie J the team’s top scorer. Mollie, Esmira and Emily all made some good yardage, and their support play, too, was on the money. Charlotte rucked and supported the ball carrier very effectively. Ella yet again showed her qualities as a fearless tackler. Sophia passed well from ruck situations, and she also made some important tackles.

The second game was a much tougher affair against the hosts Chinnor. In fact, the Tigers went very close to defeat, having trailed 4-3 with seconds remaining when the Oxfordshire hosts chose to run a penalty.

However, the Tigers’ impressive defensive press forced a priceless turnover, and they ran the ball back with vengeance to score in the last play, which meant that a titanic struggle ended in a 4-4 draw.

In a game in which the excitement levels were palpable from the get-go, we were treated to a game of nip and tuck, with the Tigers forging a 3-2 lead, before Chinnor threatened to turn the game on its head with a couple more scores.

Again great tackling kept Ignatians in the game but the amount of turnover ball conceded invariably cost them the win.

The third and final game pitted the Tigers against the Gosford All-Blacks, and a dominant display from Ignatians saw them run out handsome 6-2 winners.

Charlotte, inches away from scoring her first try following some great support play, combined well with Esmira to produce a great team try in the second half. Rosie J again was the top gun in scoring terms, whereas hard-running Mollie put her improved technique to good use with some important tackles. Rosie B pulled the strings shrewdly behind the scrum, whereas Emily tackled, rucked and ran hard. Ella’s tackling was again very good, and her nifty footwork and pace was also brought to bear.

All players contributed to a successful day which they ended unbeaten. Even when under pressure the players all pulled together, supported each other and kept playing as a team.

So a massive well done to: Rosie J, Rosie B, Charlotte, Esmira, Ella, Emily, Mollie and Sophia.