COUNTIES 1 HERTS-MIDDLESEX

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD 67 ENFIELD IGNATIANS 17

It’s been a month of highs and lows for ENFIELD IGNATIANS, and the depleted blue and golds suffered on the scoreboard after crashing to a 67-17 defeat - their heaviest of the season - to Hemel Hempstead at Chaulden Lane last Saturday (October 29), writes Jonathan Landi.

A fired up Hemel got on the front foot early in a game and, with Ignatians struggling to match the intensity of their opponents, the blue and golds were on the back-foot for long periods as the hosts scored a number of tries, and were practically out of sight at half-time.

Having to operate on starvation rations, Ignatians did, at times, string some good passages of play and they were rewarded in the form of a brace of tries from speedy winger and Man of the Match Ryan Browne (pictured), but the only trouble is that they were few and far between.

The second-half was of similar ilk, with a physical Hemel pressing home their advantage by continuing to add to their points’ fest, and the only consolation prize came via a try executed by head coach Jack Wilson.

The fullback crossed the line after a good passage of play, in which prop Matt Pollard and Johnny Dixon, both scorers in the win against Welwyn the previous week, were involved. Jake Bates added the conversion.

Enfield Ignatians ended a busy October with two wins and three losses in five games, and they will need to perform more consistently if they are move up the table.

Head coach Jack Wilson: “Hemel Hempstead is always a difficult place to play at. A very physical and well-drilled side, they created the time and space in which they could play front foot rugby, and we struggled to match them.

“We have also been badly hit by injuries as nine of our squad are currently side-lined, and we will be hoping to recover a few players in the coming weeks.”

Enfield Ignatians continue their league campaign on Saturday when they host Chiswick at Donkey Lane (Nov 5).

Squad: Jack Wilson, Carl Asare-Anderson, Johnny Dixon, Dan Redding, Ryan Browne, Jake Bates, Paul Duke, Kian Linnane (Christo Kasabi 71), Alex McCall, Matt Pollard, Jake Baker, N Clarke (W Warren 41), Feidhlim Ginty, Ethan Renny, Euan Renny (c). Not used: Liam Horn.
Tries: R Browne (2), J Wilson.
Conversion: Jake Bates (1).