PRIDE OF CORNWALL UNDERPINS BIG DERBY WIN

JANUARY 22

SARACENS AMATEURS II 7 ENFIELD IGNATIANS IIIs 42

The mighty threes lived up to their name. Again, it was a close run thing as regards getting a team out following a couple of late cry offs, and well done to those players which responded to the late Mayday call.

Consequently, Ignatians just about kept afloat numerically. However, the 15 man mixed ability squad soon found their feet on the Bramley Road stage, and they used their bulk to good effect in the contact areas by forcing Saracens onto the back foot.

The pressure applied by the visiting eight was unrelenting and the smaller Sarries’ pack strugglied to cope. Lewis White (a titan in the loose), having travelled in from Clacton, Essex, was clearly in his element, and his trademark carries gave the hosts no end of headaches.

Stuart Blemings (PICTURED) also enjoyed his most productive afternoon in a blue and gold shirt. The proud Cornishman was another to excel in the close combat exchanges. Having opened the scoring, he went on to complete a hat-trick later in the game. One for the grandchildren!

The first try was converted by MOM Louis Sellick. The latter’s ability to continually break the gain line also laid on try number two with Hadee Fayaz, returning after a lay-off, the chief beneficiary of some sterling approach work.

There was no let up for Ignatians. Gareth, another not to have played for the club for quite a while, also put in a big shift and he was rewarded with a brace of tries, and with Jamie Newport also crossing, the visitors were firmly in the driving seat at 27-0 up at the break.

Two episodes of the ‘Blemings’ show fired Ignatians further ahead (37-7) and, after hard-working Sarries had deservedly manufactured a try of their own, it was fitting that scrum-half Tom Cox had the final say on the scoreboard.

Thriving on the platform provided by his forwards, his quick-fire service from the base of the scrum really came into its own, and he claimed the final try after the visitors feasted on turnover ball to squeeze in at the corner.

Captain Steve Renny said: “It was a far more evenly contested game than the scoreline would suggest. There were times when Sarries were camped on our line but the team, to a man, put their bodies on the line and there was no way through. I’m looking forward to welcoming back more players, young and old - all fit again and playing rugby - and enjoying the sport.”