THREES SUBJECT THE CHAMPIONS TO A TOUGH TEST

writes Jonathan Landi

HERTS-MIDDLESEX MERIT TABLE FOUR NORTH-EAST

THREES SUBJECT THE LEAGUE CHAMPIONS TO A TOUGH TEST

ENFIELD IGNATIANS IIIs 17 HERTFORD IVS 25

The threes brought the curtain down on their league campaign with a combative display against Hertford IVs which bodes well for the future, as the visitors wrapped up the title at Donkey Lane.

However, an Ignatians’ side which blended youth and experience, certainly gave a very good account of itself, although it was the experienced Hertford heads which got off to the better side before Enfield came more into it after the break.

Hertford also made their size count and they bossed the contact area to go 7-0 up and, although Ignatians defended well, they were unable to make in-roads and, consequently, they conceded a second try after the visitors drove over from an attacking lineout.

The bill continued to mount for Ignatians. They fell further behind after Hertford rifled over a penalty from in front of the posts, and despite beginning to assert more in terms of territory and possession, the conceding of a further try meant that they were staring at a 20-0 deficit at the break.

Ignatians had recourse to their bench in the second period and the fresh legs certainly made an impact as Hertford began to feel the pace of the game, and good pressure by the blue and gold pack created the platform for Ohio (surname not supplied) to blast over.

Having wrestled back the initiative, Ignatians continued their attacking press and were rewarded again after Ohio secured his brace, which made for a far more even contest granted that they were now within ten points.

The recipient of a lucky break, Hertford secured a decisive fourth try but Ignatians certainly responded to a ‘Super-Moose’ pep talk during a break in play, although a try by the tenacious Matteo Ferrari was chalked off for a forward pass.

Undaunted, Ignatians continued to test Hertford’s frayed nerves, and were further rewarded in the final minute when Daniel Redding scored his first try at senior level after dotting down under the posts.

Steve Renny said: “Hertford were well deserved winners of the league this season and I congratulate them and wish them [the best of} luck for next season. As for us, we have maintained our position (joint fifth with Cuffley) in this league and look forward to regrouping next season. [There are] some exciting times ahead with all the emerging Academy players playing their part.”