THREES STEP UP TO THE PLATE IN IMPROVED DISPLAY

HERTS-MIDDLESEX MERIT TABLE FOUR NORTH-EAST

ENFIELD IGNATIANS III 17 BIGGLESWADE IIs 45

It has proved another monumental effort getting a team out this week, but the exercise proved well worth it judged on a game effort from the threes, although ultimately the well-drilled visitors ruled the roost, writes Jonathan Landi.

One must also applaud the generosity of the visitors in the form of the loan of two players, which helped us make up the numbers, and the input and direction of referee of Ali Cook, whose firm but fair officiating greatly enhanced a good game of rugby.

On the plusses, one must also salute the effort made the experienced South African Johan in getting to the game. Having made an unusual detour to Donkey Lane via Heathrow, he still managed to rock-up at half-time and put in a decent shift at centre.

However, there was no disputing the superiority of the visitors. The more cohesive of the two sides, they were firmly in the driving seat at half-time, although Ignatians did knuckle down defensively and their mantra was that nobody should get through the middle.

A neat dink over the top saw Biggleswade extend their lead early in the second-half, but they were made to work that much harder for the points.

highs for Ignatians were a brace of tries from the experienced Keir Bonnar. The former winger/centre, playing here at ten, latched on to the momentum of his forwards by slicing clean through for one of his tries. He also added a conversion.

One must also salute a sterling effort from Vinnie Sellick at hooker. A forceful presence against Finchley a week earlier, he, too, crossed the whitewash, having been played-in by Ken Carroll who ran a quick tap penalty close to the Biggy line.

Ultimately, it was former colt Feidhlim Ginty who came away with the Man of the Match award. A hive of activity, he rose to the occasion by making a number of good tackles which underpinned his Celtic warrior spirit.

Another positive was the team’s ability to raise their game as the blue and golds were in the ascendancy for a 25 minute spell, and even the opposition remarked on the improvement in the second-half compared to the first half showing.