THREES FALL AWAY AFTER THE BREAK

The threes blew hot and cold in the local Derby clash against Southgate at the Walkers Ground, and
with the hosts regrouping strongly after the interval, and Ignatians dropping off the pace alarmingly, a winnable game slipped clean from their grasp.

At their best in the first-half, a dominant Ignatians set out their stall and the exploits of the father and
son team of Ethan Renny (a fine solo effort) and father Steve (from a rolling maul which originated from a lineout), both of which were converted, ensured that the blue and golds were in the driving seat.

At 14-3 up, Ignatians had the world at their feet and, having successfully got under the skin of the opposition, who had two players yellow-carded in this game, compared to the visitors' one, they should by rights have kicked-on and made the game safe.

Instead, the second-half was a tale of collapse - and Southgate's pack must take huge credit for a
revival in their side's fortunes - as the renewed impetus of the home side saw them run in 17 unanswered points to claim a deserved victory.

As the rugby sage is often fond of reminding us: a game of rugby is played over a full 80 minutes,
and is very seldom won at half-time. It was certainly a painful lesson for the threes.