Enfield Ignatians U14 vs Royston – League Game 03/03/2024

By David 'Feet of Flames' Howley

After several wet days, and fears for the state of the hallowed pitches of Enfield Ignatians, the clouds cleared and Enfield Ignatians u14’s last league fixture for of the 2023/24 season was able to go ahead.

The team did not disappoint with a dominant 8 try display and a 52-7 victory with some outstanding tries scored.

If there were any concerns about a slow start, these quickly evaporated. From the kick-off, the ball was knocked on by Royston and - following a dominant Enfield scrum - the ball made its way to Cian who crossed the line for the first try - 5-0. The second try came at 9 minutes following a clearance kick by Royston to ease pressure on their try line. The kick was cleaned up by the backs and the ball was passed onto Patrick who surged up the left-hand side before offloading to Hayden running an excellent line. He had a way to run and - despite the Royston defence making ground - he crossed the line and touched down - 12-0.

The third try was a set piece taken straight off the training ground, no doubt the coaches would be pleased with that! Enfield had an attacking lineout 15 meters from Royston’s try line. Archie’s accurate throw was taken cleanly and passed onto David who powered past 4 defenders to score - 17-0 after 11 minutes.

Enfield scored two quick tries on 17 and 18 minutes. The first followed a powerful run by Cian down the left. He didn’t quite make the line and knocked on, but from the resulting scrum, the ball was turned over and Cian scored his second try of the game. From the resulting kick off, the ball eventually ended in David’s hand for a trademark run through the defence for him to touch down. Both tries were converted by Patrick; the first kick being an exceptional strike – 31- 0. The champagne try of the half came at 23 minutes. After a smart run, Donie offloaded to Cian who passed three players before passing to Ollie G who snake-hipped through the remaining defenders to literally splash down.

The first half ended 38-0. The second half started in similar fashion to the first. Following a good move down the right, Max’s nice sidestep didn’t quite get him to the line but David finished the move off. Patrick stroked the conversion over – 45-0. A few minutes later Enfield’s pressure again forced Royston into kicking the ball long which resulted in another well worked try. Donie picked up the loose ball and it moved swiftly across the line from George to Ollie H and then onto Patrick. They each managed to commit defenders with their runs which created space on the right for a perfectly timed run from Hayden to score again – 52-0.

Royston then had a 10-minute spell where they started to gain a bit of territory and had some promising chances but Enfield defended well and managed to clear the danger. On 46 minutes Royston finally cut through the centre of Enfield’s defence and deservedly scored. The claggy conditions were starting to take their toll on the tired children, and the referee, who gratefully blew his whistle with the final score 52-7. This was a brilliant and stylish way to bounce back after two defeats on the road. The forwards ran hard, straight and protected the ball well in the ruck. This enabled the backs to show good running into space, excellent hands and rapid movement of the ball. A fine way to finish off the league fixtures.

Thank you as always to 'Sir' for refereeing, and the coaches would like thank all the parents for their always enthusiastic and positive support from the touchline. Thank you to all of the boys from the training squad for stepping-up to help on the day when the boys in the match day squad were injured (or more likely exhausted!) and finally a big thanks to the parents who helped to set-up the main pitch for the girls' final.