24-14. That’s a proper rugby score. Just six tries all celebrated because of their importance and only a five point second half. Played out by two decent rugby sides, evenly matched and both desperate to get one over local friends and rivals. So much better than the ridiculous basketball style ‘you score, we score’ matches played out on the Prem most weeks! And even better that Ignatians got the upper hand of the arm wrestle and deserved to win their opening league game of a new season.

On a bright morning at Donkey Lane the Enfield Academy started brightly. And they needed to. They were against a Barnet side that had played a division above in the under 16’s and two leagues above in last years Colts. The bright start led to a score with their first concerted attack. James, who impressed the watching parents throughout made the first real incursion into the Barnet 22. Then Hayden picked up, did a 360 disco-turn reminiscent of former team mate Jeremiah, evading two tacklers and stretched out to score the first try. 7-0 3mins.

Barnet responded well and got into their stride. A good attack was inspired by a smart kick over the top of the Enfield defence. It didn’t create a score but easily could have done bar the bounce of the ball. (Take note lads to use the boot this year). Then another promising Barnet attack was halted by an immense tackle from Donie who also turned the ball over and scampered to clear. But Barnet continued the squeeze and scored with numbers spare out wide to the right again, shortly after. The try was superbly converted to level what was already shaping to be a gripping contest. 7-7 8mins.

Ignatians immediately got back on the attack. Our left winger, Tor made one of a couple of excellent bursts forward to move us into
the red zone. David A also went close before Ignatians moved the ball wider to Cian to score. A pattern had started to develop, Enfield had the edge from individuals being able to pierce the opposition defence in an otherwise even game. 12-7. 12mins

Then it was Elizabethan’s turn to
dominate territory. Following a penalty, Barnet kicked to the corner. A strong run through traffic followed for a Barnet try. The conversion was again expertly slotted home and the away side nudged ahead 12-14. 20mins.

The game was finely balanced. We saw another super run from Donie up to the 22 before we knocked on. Unfortunately the wise words shared in the Donkey Lane podcast of the academy level being more physically demanding proved to play out. David A was first to be taken off with a knock to the knee. In the second half, his fellow prop David J was also taken off. However Enfield got the vital first half lead with their third try in the 34th minute. Daniel, looking ready for rugby after a summer’s hard work carried the ball close and presented the ball well. It was then fed out to Ollie G who stepped to score and had the smarts to carry the ball to the posts to guarantee himself the conversion. 19-14 34mins and HT.

It had been a lively first half. Both teams had enjoyed patches of ascendancy. Both sides had the attack to hurt the opposition. Barnet had showed some really good hands through the backs reminiscent of this Ignatians team at their best last season. The scrum was also a good contest with Enfield having the upper hand while our local rivals had the edge on the floor battle. Neither defence had been particularly dominant and therefore the second half was teed up to be a belter…

Except it wasn’t! We quite often see scrappier second half’s and we were really treated to one on Sunday! Barnet carried a running threat but on a number of occasions their handling let them down. For Enfield, some decision making could have been better, often allowing Barnet to clear the pressure unnecessarily. The lads also missed the option of a penalty kick in front of the posts. With only a five point lead the smart thing to do would have been a shot at goal. But no…. Come on lads use your noggins!

Just as we were entering the final quarter there was a bit of drama. Barnet were marched back 10 twice and the away side lost a lad for a red card. Then some unnecessary verbals from George saw the penalty reversed allowing Barnet to clear. At least he redeemed himself with an excellent turnover and an aggressive carry from his own 22 moments later.

But it was a second half for the purist. Only lit up by a final and decisive score for Enfield. Josh, back from injury picked up from the 10 metre channel and weaved his way to the try line. 66mins 24-14. That was about it bar another excellent run from Donie who had a super game from Full Back. The clock ticked to red and the referee signalled the end of the contest. 24-14 FT.

We thank Barnet and wish them well for the season. Thank you also to Sir who legged it to Ealing to officiate at a Championship game this afternoon. 12 tries in that one by the way. Ridiculous.