The Enfield Ignatians U16s, determined not to fall at the final hurdle and playing with a steely-eyed determination, waltzed their way to the Herts-Middlesex Division Four title following a storming 61-12 victory over Hertford B at Donkey Lane (March 23), writes Jonathan Landi.

Ending their unbeaten league campaign in style, they added to prior wins against Barnet Elizabethans B (38-4), Verulamians (30-5) and Dunstablians (52-31), as pre-match tension gave way to flair and elan on the pitch.

The team had been pacesetters in this division last season, only to drop off the pace in the second-half of the season, but they have steadied the buffers this term by going the distance, as their improved skillset and fitness levels have shone through.

Exploding out of the blocks, the U16s monopolised territory and possession for most of the first half, and such was their dominance that they had by and large sealed the deal by half-time after roaring into a 33-12 lead.

The game ushered in the first tries for Josh Y, who claimed the opener, after Ignatians unleashed a teasing kick into the corner before reclaiming possession, and the industrious working Baris (a product of Winchmore Hill School) who deftly finished off under the posts.

The latter try proved a classic of its kind, the ever-dangerous fullback Philip, the author of five tries, proved a key catalyst in its execution as he hit the line at pace, before his cute one-handed off-load set up the supporting Baris for Ignatians’ fifth after some mazy footwork.

Philip, invariably a handful in broken field situations, also blasted through for Ignatians’ second and fourth tries, as Ignatians continued to run some excellent support lines, before handing the scoring ‘baton’ to Man of the Match Jayden in between.

Jayden, a confident figure complete with his low centre of gravity, was also the heartbeat of his team’s effort, as, he, too, repeatedly teased the defence, before cheekily burgling an overthrown Herford lineout throw. Cutting a pocket battleship figure, he subsequently fired a huge broadside into the heart of the Hertford defence, as some typically strong-running enabled him to pierce the hurt of a despairing defence as Ignatians’ all-court game continued to hurt the visitors.

Jayden showed his versatility by also adding a conversion, although the team’s main kicking duties fell to Ben, with the latter enjoying a productive time by potting seven conversions, in addition to getting the back line moving.

Despite some good carries from Cassius and Ira, Ignatians did lose their way towards the end of the half, having developed a propensity for conceding cheap penalties, primarily for offside. Consequently, Hertford gained a foothold in the Ignatians’ red zone, and the hosts stressed defensive line failed to cope with the thrusts of the Hertford as the visitors fired off two tries to come back on the scoreboard.

The irony of coughing up a second try won’t have been lost on Ignatians, as they had counter-rucked fiercely prior to the second Hertford try, although somehow they let the visitors reclaimed possession much to the coaching team’s frustration.

It may have proved a blessing in disguise as Ignatians certainly heeded the warning shots, as they kept their defensive trapdoor firmly shut after that, and although they continued to keep the scoreboard ticking, they will have been particularly pleased to have ‘nilled’ Hertford in the second-half.

Knowing that the next score would prove vital, they boxed Hertford into a corner, and after Ignatians had successfully pinched one against the head at a 5m scrum, Jayden made the initial surge from the back of the scrum which fell just short. However, Ignatians continued to probe before Tommy deservedly forced his way over.

Hertford subsequently looked dangerous after working their way into the Ignatians’ 22, but somehow Ignatians managed to claw back possession, as centre Oscar, oozing determination, carried hard and straight towards centre field despite the best attentions of the defence.

Jayden then got in the act by regathering his own dink over the top, and unleashing a neat passing movement which swept right. Lineout titan, Josh C, must have been sorely tempted to have gone himself as play edged closer to the lineout, but he unselfishly off-loaded to Philip as the fullback powered over the line.

Ending on a high, Ignatians twice blasted through as Philip’s impressive pace twice cut Hertford to ribbons, although the visitors deserve plenty of credit for sticking at it through thick and thin against fired-up opponents.

Head coach Andy Corgan said: “The team got out of the traps really fast and, after surviving a dodgy spell in the first-half, we eventually ran away with it after scoring first in the second-half. We’ve worked hard at improving our fitness levels, which has enabled us to better go the distance and see games through. We also ran some great support lines and I’m delighted for the players. Although I, like they, must admit to feeling nervous before the game.”

This doesn’t necessarily spell the end of a great campaign. They may well contest a sevens tournament in the summer, and, long term, quite a few look interesting propositions for the Ignatians’ first team. Lastly, a big thank you to Darren for his all refereeing and good communication.