CAROLINGIAN DYNASTY AGAIN PROVES ITS WORTH TO THE CLUB

HERTS-MIDDLESEX MERIT TABLE FOUR NORTH-EAST

CAROLINGIAN DYNASTY AGAIN PROVES ITS WORTH TO THE CLUB

ENFIELD IGNATIANS IIIS 32 SARACENS AMATEURS IIs 5

The Enfield Ignatians control room can prove a lonely place, and especially in the absence of of a much valued colleague Steve Renny (taking a well deserved break in France), but the endeavours of Ken Carroll, who helped bring the whole show together, paid off handsomely in the wake of the handsome Derby league win against Saracens Amateurs IIs at Donkey Lane (Oct 16).

Setting their stall out early in this game, Ignatians’ motley crew, which included players returning after a two year break, crossed the white wash three times inside the first quarter, and although they weren’t as fluid afterwards, they were never going to lose this.

At the final whistle, the blue and golds’ scoring haul comprised five tries, two conversions and a penalty. The try scorers (as supplied) were Jake Baker, Ray Hayes, Adam Baxter, Mapheon and Fiedhlim (courtesy of a scoring pass supplied by Rondel Bernard).

As for the kicker, Dan Redding, a centre by trade, filled the fly-half berth and he further discomforted Sarries by adding two conversions and a penalty.

The scorers apart, Stuart Blemings made some good carries whereas the Man of the Match award went to Stuart Maclean. “Of slight build, he punched well above his weight in terms of his contribution” said Ken Carroll (pictured).

He added: “Johan also had a good game and very little got past the experienced centre partnership of Keir Bonnar and Phil Tucker. In one memorable episode, PT pulled off a memorable tackle on the Sarries’ flanker which had him scuttling backwards.

“Overall, there was a pleasing balance to the side. We were a hastily put together side but we gelled well, and particularly in the opening 15-20 minutes. The second-half was a scrappy affair but it was pleasing to rediscover our structure.”

Although the result was never in doubt, it ended another fraught week, this time on a high for KC. He added: “It’s been another tough week. We just about had a team (14 players) on Friday night before going to bed, and I sent out a few text messages. When I woke up on Saturday morning, it was a pleasant surprise that the squad had increased to 20. There were a few drop outs before kick-off, but I would like to thank all those who answered the call.”

KC is clearly doing some sterling work with SR in getting the players onto the paddock. The eventual aim is to get out three sides on a regular basis. Players are clearly drifting back steadily. It won’t happen overnight but, knowing the club, no effort will be spared in this direction.