(SAT 18) The first team ended their Counties Two Middlesex Shield campaign on a high by dispatching Old Millhillians 72-22, but it was all academic at the end of the day as the blue and golds were never going to finish higher than third in any eventuality.

We also flew our flag at half-mast and observed a minute’s silence following the crushing loss of a dear club friend, Steve'Quincy' Ward, and, on behalf of all the club, we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends.

Crucial losses against Actonians and Finsbury Park, coupled to the conceding of the away leg against the former club, ultimately derailed Ignatians’ silverware ambitions, as their three wins (from six), for a final and below par strike rate of 50 per cent, yielded 15 points.

Still, it was a game that needed playing, if anything to ensure that there is no points deduction next season, and although an after the Lord Mayor’s show ambiance prevailed - given that there was little to play for – Ignatians flourished in the carefree environment.

Admittedly, they conceded three tries rather cheaply, but they were largely in credit at the end of the first-half, having run-in six tries of their own after opening up the visitors on opposite flanks via the best efforts of Emmanuel Okafor and Cairo Sango (twice). The latter had even threatened to rampage his way to a hat-trick. But, with OMs infringing in desperation, the home side did least profit from his efforts in the form of the penalty try.

The backrow also got in the act via the returning Sam Rushmer, and there a splendid solo effort from the Mary Madden’s Man of the Match, William Halstead, who was later to double his try haul in the second period. Part of a Senior Academy contingent currently learning their trade at senior level, his efforts were another feather in his cap, and although he was still raw in parts, as had to be expected, he will undoubtedly improve for more exposure at this level.

The form of the youngsters ensured that, despite the informality of it all, that this just wasn’t just a meaningless dead rubber, with another Senior Academy product, the more confirmed Emmanuel Okafor, also blazing a trail for this cohort by opening the scoring as already mentioned.

Luke Roper, the son of former first team scrum-half Andy Roper, was another case in point. Having made a very tonic debut against Finsbury Park, he again hinted at his rich potential by proving a key catalyst, and particularly in the second-half.

As he was responsible for two try assists which led to scores for Ryan Loo and Henry Sibley, before the compliment was returned in the form of the mercurial Jack O’Toole laying on a score for Roper Jnr.

Others to fill their boots were Ryan Loo, the author of a brace, and the aforementioned Halstead, who showed the cover a clean pair of heels by scampering clear for his second try.

In fact, Ryan Loo would have been the cock of the walk in terms of being his side’s top try scorer; having been all set to complete his hat-trick with the line beckoning. Instead, he generously checked his run and laid on a try for the supporting lineout Titan Liam Horn.

Six conversions also underscored a productive afternoon on an occasion overshadowed by the untimely passing of Steve ‘Quincy’ Ward.

The squad has been chosen and is: Alfie Fordham*, Cairo Sango*, William Halstead*, Euan Renny*, Emmanuel Okafor*, Jack O’Toole*, Daniel Shaw, Finlay Mackay*, William Bruce*, Matt Pollard, Henry Sibley*, Seyi Adeosun* (Cpt), Declan Linnane*, Liam Horn*, Sam Rushmer, Wes Warren*, Luke Roper*, Ken Carroll*. (18).
*= home grown players.