U14S SUFFER FRUSTRATING LOSS

HERTS-MIDDLESEX U14S JUNIOR LEAGUE POOL F

UNDER 14S SUFFER FRUSTRATING LOSS

ENFIELD IGNATIANS U14S 17 BIGGLESWADE U14S 22

They were more than good enough. However, getting over the line proved problematic for the Enfield Ignatians' U14s 25 man squad at times, and the lack of a cutting edge saw them suffer their first Pool F loss after visiting Bigglewade came from behind to deny the blue and golds 22-17 at Donkey Lane on Sunday, January 26.

In a game of high and lows, Ignatians were caught cold, in fact very cold, after Biggleswade scored virtually from the kick-off after landing their first try within a minute to go 5-0 up.

It proved to be nasty jolt to the system but, to their credit, Ignatians knuckled down to their task and monopolised territory and possession for the remainder of the half. They never quite managed to translate their superiority on the scoreboard granted their dominance, but at least tries from Henry Sibley and Luke Charleston did at least give them a 10-5 half-time lead.

Ignatians, under everyone gets a game policy, rotated their squad in the second period. Biggleswade did likewise and, granted an injection of speed from some of their speedier players, saw the visitors successfully attack Ignatians in their weaker channels, and it resulted in a three try slavo for the visitors which turned the game on its head as the visitors forged 27-10 clear.

Again, Ignatians responded and, although they didn't convert all their chances, they did at least claim a consolation score which gave the final scoreline some respectability.

Head coach Kevin Linnane said: "It was a really good game of rugby and both teams played their part. We had our chances but didn't quite convert our pressure into points at times. Still, we had five players playing out of position. We played with a lot of passion and heart but errors crept into our game at key times. Still, we move on and now look forward to the next games against Chess Valley and Welwyn."