Barnet Elizabethans 13pts Haringey Rhinos 8pts

Peter had been fighting cancer for many years although he lost the battle last Monday: the former Fixture Secretary had retired fromm that position last May after 58 years' service.

The Byng Road pitch was in surprisingly good condition, after almost two months heavy rain, although a slightly damp surface meant some players lost their footing at times. Both teams were rusty, hardly surprising after such a long break, although it was Haringey Rhinos that controlled most of the first half, defying their bottom slot in the leage table. They forced a penalty goal and then scored a rather scruffy try, around the scrum, because BE failed to tidy up their possession. Eventually, BE's pack took back control - one such forward drive almost saw RICKY STEVENS get the touch down before, minutes later, JAMES STUBBS was driven over for a try to make it 5-8 at the break.

With the wind and slope in their favour, and the visitors facing a low sun, BE should have kicked on but they found it very difficult, at times, to secure and control possession. After several wayward attempts at goal, goal-kicking duties were passed to MATT HARRIS who levelled the scores mid-way through the half with a penalty goal. By now, BE were gaining good ground advantage through touch kicking, from ROSS WLKINSON's boot: one such kick took BE up to the 5 metre line and, from the lineout, the pack secured the ball and drove JAMES STUBBS over for his second try. With the returning MATT NICHOLAS making good breaks in the centre, other chances should have come: indeed, one chance almost led to ADRIAN TODD and ROBBIE CAMERON-STAFF breaking down the left wing but a marginally forward pass ended that chance. Haringey had their own chances but both sides cancelled each other out.

The 1st XV remain in fourth place but with two games in hand over each of the top three sides. BE play away to Old Millhillians on Saturday at 3pm: also on saturday, several of the Junior teams are playing various matches at Allianz Park as part of Enfield Ignatians' Day Out.

PGY