Ignatians begin pre-season on positive note (From Enfield Independent)

Ignatians begin pre-season on positive note

9:55am Tuesday 26th August 2008

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ENFIELD IGNATIANS’ pre-season campaign began on a positive note as they reached the semi-finals of the Stan Wallis Trophy at Tring.

The London 3 North-East side narrowly qualified from their group before being beaten in the last four by hosts and eventual tournament winners Tring.

The London 1 side was firmly in the driving seat in a one-sided first-half of the semi-final as they opened up from all angles to lead 28-0 at the break.

However, Ignatians knuckled down after the break, and Chris Lyons’ well-worked score set the seal on a much-improved second half display as they eventually lost 33-5.

Captain Rob Wyer, a casualty in the pool stages, said: “There were a lot of positives to be had. It was well worth it and we should be well prepared for our game against St Albans (a friendly) on Saturday.”

Ignatians did well to qualify from Pool Two, which featured two sides from higher divisions.

After weathering an opening loss to beaten finalists Old Albanians 19-7, they stormed back to draw with Leighton Buzzard 3-3 and shade Banbury 7-5.

Not that the excitement ended there as the slenderest of points differentials - a mere two points – enabled Ignatians to leapfrog Midlands 2 side Leighton Buzzard into the last four.

Coach Ali Cook said: “We ground out the victory against Banbury. We came here (Tring) to give us an indication as to where we are as a team and what areas we need to work on.

"We improved as the games went on and it was a case of well done to all."

Ignatians will be pleased with the form of their forwards, with lock Andy Shield, a new signing from Civil Service, making a good debut.

Ignatians’ defence and work rate was also impressive, and there were some real signs that their youth policy is beginning to play dividends following the hard-tackling displays of South African Dylan Ballantyne and Nick Adebanjo.

Ignatians run four senior sides and new recruits should call Rob Wyer on 07956 458560.

Those wishing to join the junior section should email Chris Phillips on c.phillips4@bt.connect.com

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