It’s been a long time in coming but, in addition to the momentous win against Welwyn, the senior section had every reason to be celebratory mood elsewhere, as for the second consecutive week, we managed to field a second team, this time away to Cuffley.

It matters not a jot that we lost the game 24-12, and this positive development, which follows on from the Cheshunt game, needs to be seen against the backdrop of what has been a worrying trend nationally; with the latest available data highlighting the fact that there 88 walk-overs in the lower league echelons during September.

Further down the scale, neither have the Merit Table/Reserve leagues been spared, as 18 per cent of the games, during the above month, were recorded as walkovers.

As for the game itself, the second team, was under the captaincy of Sean Bucknall, in the wake of Steve Renny’s untimely knee injury a week earlier against Cheshunt, and the 18-man squad gave a good account of themselves in the 24-12 defeat at Botany Bay.

In a game with plenty of ebb and flow, both sides struggled to break each other down, and each team had a player sin-binned for a high tackle, but eventually Cuffley broke the deadlock via a well-worked try to go 5-0 up.

With the last play of the half, Ignatians coughed up a penalty which the Cuffley kicker duly potted, as the Hertfordshire side secured an 8-0 half-time lead.

The deficit became a bit bigger after the interval when Cuffley forged further ahead after tucking away a second penalty.

However, Ignatians eventually responded via MOM Femi Adeosun who roared-in under the sticks. Louie Sellick converted and, suddenly, it was game on again, although this galvanised Cuffley, as the hosts fashioned a further try and a penalty to lead 19-7.

The visitors’ cause wasn’t helped when Seyi Adeosun dislocated his shoulder, but Ignatians kept beavering away, and some great forwards’ pressure, allied to some great hands, enabled the speedy Glory Makabukidi to cross as the deficit was trimmed to seven points.

Ignatians resorted to playing their way out of their own 22, in their efforts to at least tie the game in the last play, but the pass was picked off, and the Cuffley interception score secured a decisive 12 points’ victory on an afternoon when Seyi Adeosun (PICTURED) dislocated his shoulder.

The above positive developments are the fruits of the labours of Steve Renny and Ken Carroll, and we will keep members updated via the website and social media channels in coming weeks.

In the mean-time, any potential new recruits, or players wishing to return to the game, should contact either of the above. DETAILS WILL BE ISSUED SHORTLY.