Ignatians end losing run (From Enfield Independent)

Enfield Ignatians edge out Chelmsford in close encounter

2:49pm Tuesday 27th November 2012 in Sport By Tom Allnutt

Enfield Ignatians ended a run of five consecutive defeats after shading a close encounter with third-placed Chelmsford 10-6.

In a game played in deteriorating conditions, Ignatians’ heavier pack really came into its own and the blue and golds, despitebutchering a few chances, were first on the scoreboard after being awarded a penalty try on the half-hour mark. The home pack had threatened to score from two prior pushover attempts from five-metre scrums and, after Chelmsford infringed a third time, referee Tim Miller was left with little option than to award the score.

Jordan Wilson, having missed a penalty early in the game, atoned by landing the conversion from in front of the sticks.

Chelmsford threatened sporadically and, as the half drew to a close, they kept themselves in the game after fly-half Simon Hoult punished with a successful kick after Ignatians bent the offside line.

Ignatians struggled to get out of their own half in the second period as conditions worsened, but their play-it-in-your-faces attitude kept them in the hunt as Chelmsford got little change out of the home side’s well-organised defence, until seven minutes from time when Hoult punished Ignatians a second time after the forwards were penalised for going to ground.

However, it was Ignatians who had the last laugh four minutes from time as, from the restart, they stormed up field and won a penalty which was duly landed by Wilson.

Ignatians are next in league action when they are away to Saffron Walden on December 8.

Ignatians’ second team also lapped up the muddy conditions for all they were worth and a splendid defensive effort underpinned a well deserved 24-3 win over high-flying Tring IIs.

Ryan Taylor, Robin Ward, Bob Ridley and Adam Collins all crossed for Ignatians, and Joe Wilkinson added two conversions.

Ignatians’ junior sides made to the trip to St Albans to play Old Verulamians and braved the elements to register some impressive performances.

The Under-8s again excelled themselves by maintaining their unbeaten start to the season with a pair of 10-7 wins. The Under-11s also proved good entertainment value and, after drawing the first game 21-21, they won the second game handsomely 19-7 before tiring in the third encounter which they lost 21-14.

Jamal Daley-Bonner claimed the lion’s share of the tries after scoring six. Joseph Baldwin and Akin James also crossed the line. Two defeats for the Under-9s were followed by an impressive 6-3 win, with Joe Brogan starring.

The injury-hit Under-12s had a tough time of it but can take some satisfaction from a 0-0 draw which was sandwiched between two losses.

The Under-10s also had a lean afternoon after losing all three games 7-1, 5-1 and 5-0.

However, a handful of players really stood up to the plate and Max Getling and Austin Lutwyche had the satisfaction of scoring a try apiece.