U16S CATCH THE MOOD PERFECTLY IN NEAR IDEAL CONDITIONS

MARCH 24

ENFIELD IGNATIANS 50 RUISLIP B 21

The U16s set out their stall early in this game and their fierce grip on proceedings never wavered, even when Ruislip brought on the cavalry, and they can clearly contemplate the future with optimism, writes Jonathan Landi.

It’s not to imagine that several of the current intake will be in a position to vie for first team places in a season or two, and that must remain the end goal for head coach Andy Roper and his right-hand man Steve Renny.

Rewinding back to last Sunday, Ignatians tore into the opposition from the off and the end result was a very pleasing eight try haul (five of which were converted), with Emmanuel, not for the first time this season, exercising the role of tormentor in chief.

The speedy centre primarily used his searing pace to outflank the defence but it was fourth and final try, which he had no right to score, that caught the eye, as a clutch of four defenders rapidly closed in on their quarry.

Instead, the centre escaped being corralled in tight quarters, with a neat chip and gather, before tucking away away a score that was very easy on the eye.

Signs of increasing rugby maturity were also evident in the eighth and final try, whose principal instigator Lescine found himself hugging the touchline, and who could easily have taken the tackle.

Instead, he floated a neat grubber kick which landed close to the line, and one which the supporting James V had the presence of mind to successfully follow up. It enabled the fullback to completed his brace, having scored an earlier try following a daring break-out from within Ignatians’ own 22.

Lescine’s arcing run also set up his side’s fourth try as play was pulled close to the line, and ended it all rather gloriously with scrum-half Luke R sniping over from close range.

Liam also claimed a good opportunistic score at the start of the second-half, but there was clearly far more than just individual brilliance on show, as the tight eight (including which included two Ryans at prop and flanker ) en bloc provided a feast of good ball for the backs to exploit.

However, the squad to a man, was energised in near perfect conditions for running rugby, although one must credit Ruislip for a whole hearted effort, and they closed on a high by claiming three second-half tries after deferring to a strong bench.

Head coach Andy Roper said: “It was a good way to end the season. It was good to see Ryan (flanker) playing again. The boys really contested the breakdown and secured a number of important turnovers.”