Enfield Ignatians Under-14s missed out on a golden opportunity to put one over Finchley after losing 17-12.

A lethargic first-half performance saw Ignatians pay on the scoreboard as they trailed 12-0 at the break which gave them plenty to do.

But they improved in the second half and, from the platform of a five-metre scrum, they played the ball through the hands and were rewarded after Ben Phillips blasted over.

Finchley botched the restart and, with Ignatians gaining a foothold in opposition territory and recycling well via the forwards, they were soon on the attack again and the dangerous Phillips broke through again to complete his brace, which with the successful Ryan Loo conversion, tied the scores.

Ignatians continued to enjoy the majority of quality possession but declined to finish off and, ironically, when they were on the verge of mounting a dangerous attack, they knocked the ball on. With the referee playing good advantage, Finchley sensed an opportunity to punish them.

The Summers Lane outfit worked the ball to their dangerous left winger, Ignatians found themselves outflanked and consequently they shipped a third try with seven minutes left on the clock.

Ignatians still had time to rescue the situation.

With the likes of Jack Cook-Smith making some strong carries, they had plenty of go forward, but the hard-yardage was never translated on the scoreboard.

Even as the game drew to a close, and with the home side camped on the opposition line, there was no way through as the referee called time and ended the contest.

Coach Colin Pennicott said: “We were off the pace in the first half and didn’t mark up as our formation was too compact and concentrated.

“We weren’t focused enough in the first period, although we did improve in the second half but not enough to win the game.”

Enfield Ignations’ first team had the weekend off with the rugby World Cup final ensuring a break in play.

But the side are back in action this Saturday when they entertain Staines in the league.