Ignatians Feel the Force of Old Habs

The thirds ultimately went the way of the twos and fours by suffering pre-season friendly defeat, although they didn't help their cause by taking to the field with 14 men, and, consequently, a strong Old Haberdashers outfit, whose first team now plays at London One level, cashed in handsomely at Donkey Lane.

Not that it was all-way traffic as Ignatians claimed two tries via Andy Roper and Bob Ridley, with Chris Byrne adding a penalty to ensure that the hosts weren't disgraced.

Having dropped down a league to Herts-Middlesex Merit Table Three this season, the threes should at least be concert pitch for the opening league encounter at home to Welwyn IIIs on Saturday.

The threes have trained diligently during the summer period which has also entailed playing a first pre-season game against South Oxhey 19-19. We await their progress with interest.