THREES BLOW HOT AND COLD IN HERTFORDSHIRE

HERTS-MIDDLESEX MERIT TABLE FOUR NORTH-EAST

THREES BLOW HOT AND COLD IN HERTFORDSHIRE

LETCHWORTH IIIs 43 ENFIELD IGNATIANS IIIs 21

There is a lot to be said for forward power. However, there are times when it will only carry you only so far as the threes discovered to their cost in the 43-21 away defeat at Letchworth.

Down to the bares bones of a 15-man squad, Ignatians certainly played to their strengths and the power of the visiting tight eight spoke loud and clear after Richard Carroll rumbled over.

Letchworth, always a threat out wide, replied with a couple of tries of their own before prop Ken Carroll kept it in the family by going over in the corner after a period of pressure close to the Letchworth line as the visitors led 14-12. Ken's work patterns are such that he is often away on night duty – so it speaks volumes for his commitment to the club that he also finds time to put-in a full shift on the rugby field.

Ignatians continued to get on the front foot but with no appreciable return on the scoreboard and a combination of Letchworth’s dangerous backs and rolling subs enabled them to stretch 40-14 clear. The Hertfordshire side continued to ratchet up the pressure and, after potting a penalty, were firmly intent on bypassing the half-century of points mark.

However, Ignatians had other ideas and finished on a high. Again, the forwards got on the front foot and, a combination of quick hands and running a lovely line, enabled Harry Wilkins to whistle clean through.The conversion from in front of the sticks was a formality as the visitors regained some respectability on the scoreboard.

Spokesman Steve Renny said: “There were outstanding performances from Harry Wilkins and Ben Phillips [Academy players]. Both were having their first games for the threes. In my opinion we have played the two best sides in the league and we look forward to the return fixture and building on today’s positives against Hendon.”