ENFIELD IGNATIANS, forced to defend like Trojans a week earlier, were feeling far more chipper as they gelled into a far more effective force in the comprehensive defeat of Finchley IIs at Summers Lane.

The muddy conditions at the bottom of hill suited Ignatians' heavier pack down to a tee and a neat break from Andy Roper was at the heart of the first try, and resulted in the supporting Stuart Blemings being played in.

Second row Paul Winship was the next to go over as the visitors patiently went through the phases
following a series of pick up and gos. Paul Duke, having missed a penalty in the opening minutes, made no mistake this time by adding the extras as the visitors went 12-0 up.

Ignatians continued to crank up the pressure in the muddy conditions and their third try was the best. Creaming off an excellent take in the lineout, they unleashed their muscular centre Brad Smith, and his ability to draw in the defence, enabled promising new recruit Kieran Glennon to blast his way over.

Despite being 17-0 to the good at half-time, Ignatians refused to relax their grip and with the front five in irrepressible form, and William Bruce making some good carries, the blue and golds killed the game off and the experienced Andy Roper was heavily involved each time.

A player tailor-made for the wind and the wet, scrum-half Roper, latching on to some excellent work from the forwards, sniped his way over from a ruck.

The half-back again showed his craft by running a quick tap penalty close to the Finchley line and
Seyi Adeosun proved the chief beneficiary as he finished off a good afternoon for his side.

A game Finchley, having been second best for most of the afternoon, rallied with a try at the death, but by then it was all over bar the shouting,