Enfield Ignatians were unable to complete a fight back against South Woodham Ferrers and were beaten 43-36

Outplayed in the first period, Ignatians trailed 31-3 at the interval after conceding five tries and losing second row Frank Stavrou to the sin-bin. The only bright spot for the visitors was a solitary Jordan Wilson penalty.

Ignatians scored early in the second period via Tom Killey from a catch and drive but a sixth South Woodham try gave the home side a 30-point cushion.

However, Ignatians redoubled their efforts and, in a 15-minute purple patch, Christian Adofo went over twice and Tom Jordan and Killey both touched down. Allied to four Wilson conversions, it set up a frantic finale as the Blue and Golds moved to within two points.

Ignatians continued to apply pressure despite losing Tom Jordan to the sin-bin but South Woodham Ferrers had the final say and claimed a seventh and final try.

It meant the visitors had to console themselves with two losing bonus points.

Coach Emile Hertz said: “I’m gutted that this got away from us as we came back strongly. Steve Taylor and Jack North helped shore matters up in the second half, and I thought man-of-the-match Christian Adofo was a revelation, as he perfected the art of making something out of nothing.

“Tom Killey was our outstanding forward. He made some excellent carries, made his tackles and scored two tries. However, we paid for a poor first-half performance.”

Ignatians’ Twos continue to lead Herts-Middlesex Merit Table Two after they chalked up their 11th league win in 12 attempts, by outclassing Cheshunt Twos 47-0.

The Threes lost 22-5 away to Welwyn in Herts-Middlesex Merit Table Three while the Fours defeated Old Albanians Fives 29-5 in Merit Table Six.

The Under-15s are chasing a third consecutive league title and they went top of the Middlesex Division Three table after beating Old Albanians B 24-17. The Under-13s maintained their strong start to the season by defeating Ruislip 10-5 in an entertaining encounter in Division Three.