HERTS-MIDDLESEX MERIT TABLE FOUR NORTH-EAST

THREES GIVE A GOOD ACCOUNT OF THEMSLEVES

FINSBURY PARK IIs 17 ENFIELD IGNATIANS IIIs 12

The threes delivered a very spirited effort in the face of a change of circumstances which saw the game switched to Donkey Lane owing to the waterlogged state of Finsbury Park’s Downhills Park arena. It proved a good move. The game kicked off only marginally later than the scheduled time (3.15pm), and with both sides able to field large squads, we were treated to a very good game of rugby.

A very well structured Finsbury Park certainly put themselves about, but Ignatians defended heroically in adversity following the sending off of Sam Barnes on 20 minutes.

Still, the force was the very structured visitors and they successfully twice forced the issue off penalties to score a brace of tries and lead 14-0 at the break.

The second-half, though, belonged to Ignatians as their blend of youth and experience came more into the game and a series of forward drives created the platform for Dave Conlan to go over, and he claimed the touchdown after the ball hit the bottom of the posts. The successful conversion also lifted the mood.

Finsbury Park extended their lead via a penalty but, fittingly, the last word was with Ignatians as the forwards again provided the momentum before Jason Johnston forced his way over.

It seems pertinent to salute the youthful contributions of Jack Cook-Smith, Dan Redding, Matteo Ferrari, Stanley and Odane Linton.
Cook-Smith was variously deployed in a dual role of lock/flanker in a game of rolling subs, and the same applies to Redding whose rugby ‘education’ combined the fly-half/fullback positions.

Matteo Ferrari, playing out of position on the wing, was another to flourish in this senior opportunity.

Steve Renny said: “We defended really well and, towards the end of the game, the attacking momentum was all with Ignatians, and given another five minutes [playing time}, we could even have won the game.”

Enfield Ignatians RFC

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