U16S CONTINUE THEIR TRIUMPHANT MARCH FORWARD

The U16s continue to cultivate a healthy winning habit and, with an eye half on their next league encounter against Chess Valley, they showed a steely side to their character after overturning a half-time deficit to master Hertford B 33-24 at Hoe Lane.

Head coach Kevin Linnane had the luxury of picking from a 25-man squad and, in the first-half, those players which had missed the Biggleswade game, and returnees such as Ben Villamor were given a chance to strut their stuff.

However, the first half didn’t go to plan as Hertford B’s big ball carriers ruled the roost and the home side’s forceful, direct approach was reflected on the scoreboard in the form of a 19-5 half-time lead.

Although very much second best, the visitors did manage to fashion a break away try, and at the interval the Ignatians three man brains’ trust made five changes predominantly for tactical reasons, but also to take into account a couple of injuries.

Consequently, the side had a much better balance and was totally transformed in the second period which, for the main, was dominated by the blue and golds who filled their boots in the form of a five try haul.

The try scorers as supplied were Eric (two), Lukas and Pedro. Fly-half Ben Jones, in addition to orchestrating play, also added the conversions, although one must also credit a spirited effort from Hertford who managed a second-half consolation try.

Head coach Kevin Linnane said: “We spoke with Hertford after the game and they were particularly impressed by the efforts of Pedro and Conor. Pedro had a stunning game. He has really worked on his fitness, got stuck in and was among the try scorers.

“Conor didn’t get among the try scorers but it’s as if he had. He laid on a try but he was particularly effective in shutting down the opposition, and his was a monumental shift.

"We're striving to get better with wach time and are aiming for an 80 per cent success rate."

These are exciting times for the U16s. KL reports that five of his burgeoning squad will be on county duty this weekend, and they will be anxious to continue their winning momentum in the league against Chess Valley following wins against Cheshunt and Biggleswade.