ENFIELD IGNATIANS ended February on a high after turning the tables on UCS Rugby 27-12 at Hocroft Road. Denied at the death when the sides met in October, Ignatians’ much improved attack yielded five further tries in a month which has seen them cross the whitewash ten times for a total haul of nine league points (from a maximum possible 15), writes Jonathan Landi.

Despite their much-changed line up, and the same applies to the home team, Ignatians, showing great strength over the ball and, recycling well, were very much the dominant force despite shipping the opening try from a driving maul against the run of play.

Ignatians’ poor maul defence gave way to a stinging response and, after they eventually reclaimed possession, the hard-carrying Frank Antwi did very well to set up pacey winger Timi Sanusi from deep within his own half.

Timi Sanusi, looking lively and dangerous each time he touched the ball, had earlier had a try chalked off for a foot in touch.

The visitors were again on the money after the UCS kicker horribly miscued the leather close to his own line, with the ball sailing invitingly into mid-field and into the grateful arms of captain Euan Renny.

The very lively Lavender Hill Garage Man of the Match wasted no time in stretching play to the opposite side of the field, and some excellent link play enabled right winger, Alfie Fordham, to roar in on the flank, with Carl Asare-Anderson converting.

A 12-5 lead, having played up the slope, certainly augured well for the second-half, and Ignatians further turned the screw after a pick-up and dart from the base of a 5m scrum provided the platform for dynamic No 8 Sam Rushmer to blast over.

Rampant Ignatians continued to attack and eagle-eyed scrum-half, Dan Shaw, took deadly aim in the UCS red zone, by haring and snaking his way through a gap, following some good carries from the forwards, with Henry Sibley heavily involved in the build-up.

The icing on the cake came via Ignatians’ aggressive defensive press, with Alfie Fordham wrapping up man and ball and carting him down field, before hooker, Sam Hatchett, cheekily ripped the ball clean from the grasp of the UCS player before running in from 40 metres.

UCS deservedly claimed a late consolation try when Ignatians’ copped a yellow card for their sins for not retreating the full 10m, but on an afternoon of many positives, one player continually stood out, having been deployed in a difficult dual role: Euan Renny.

The all-action flanker certainly acquitted himself very well in the centre, but, when the occasion demanded, he also revealed his qualities as a lineout Titan, having won an ample supply of clean ball for his side. Not an easy balancing act by any means.

A big thank you, too, to Alex McCall and Ken Carroll for providing invaluable back up from off the bench. For the record, Ken was still on shift at 13.10, but he still took the time and effort to make it to this corner of north-west London. It’s appreciated guys.

Head coach Gary Phillips said: “Although you could sense the frustration [among the players] at times, the game mentality, effort and determination were fantastic.”

Old Verulamians (away) are next up on 1 March.

EIRFC squad (all used): Ben Villamore*, Declan Linnane*, Alfie Fordham*, Euan Renny (cpt)*, Timi Sanusi, Carl Asare-Anderson*, Daniel Shaw, Caolan Davey*, Sam Hatchett, Nathaniel Clarke*, Jake Baker*, Henry Sibley*, Frank Antwi*, Ishan Tilakaratna, Sam Rushmer, Ken Carroll, Alex McCall*.
Tries: Timi Sanusi, Alfie Fordham, Sam Rushmer, Daniel Shaw and Sam Hatchett,
Conversion: Carl Asare-Anderson.
Lavender Hill Garage MOM: Euan Renny.
*=Home grown talent