SECOND-HALF FIGHTBACK FALLS SHORT DESPITE BRAVE EFFORT

HERTS-MIDDLESEX MERIT TABLE FOUR NORTH-EAST

SECOND-HALF FIGHTBACK FALLS SHORT DESPITE BRAVE EFFORT

ENFIELD IGNATIANS IIIs 13 FINSBURY PARK IIs 19

Last times these sides clashed, it gave rise to a one-sided contest as Park very ruled the roost. However, Ignatians, having absorbed the lessons of that defeat, dug-in this time and the end result was a much tighter affair, although the blue and golds were invariably on the wrong side of the ledger again, writes Jonathan Landi.

Playing into the strong wind, Ignatians made a rip-roaring start which fired them into a 5-0 lead following excellent work from a rolling maul.
The momentum stalled a couple of times but Ignatians kept their wits about them as they pulled play one way, then the other, before Richard Carroll barrelled his way over on the narrow side.

The lead wasn't to last as Park then enjoyed their best spell which netted them three tries. Although Ignatians' mistakes, which included turning the ball over, fuelled the attacking ambitions of the visitors.

Trailing 19-5 at the break, Ignatians eroded the deficit within minutes of the restart. Farming a lineout drive, Ignatians did hit a defensive brick wall in the build-up, but they kept going and good work from the in-form Matt Pollard, variously cast in his role of backrower and prop in this game, kept the attacking fires burning brightly and it resulted in try number two.

Ignatians continued to ratchet up the pressure and they were camped close to the line for a sustained spell. However, there was no way through and one must credit some good Park defence for keeping the mighty threes at bay.

Awarded a penalty with two minutes on the clock left, Ignatians hit the target after Alex Bucknall made a clean strike dead on to the posts, and with Ignatians assured that there was time still left on the clock, it was all about securing the ball from the restart. Prevented by fair means or foul, they didn't succeed in this endeavour, and there was no way back after that.

Although it didn't quite come together, we were pleased to welcome back our Man in Shanghai, Jack North. There were also a number of good performances with the energetic Frank Antwi (pictured) delivering a Man of the Match performance. Ken Carroll, Luke Williams and Uni returnee Fadee Fayaz, whose brother Hadee was playing on the adjoining pitch in the ones, were also among the standout performers.