Enfield Ignatians were beaten 10-3 at home to Welwyn in their first game of 2016 in London Two North West.

The hosts made a frustrating start to the new year after letting a golden opportunity slip against visiting Welwyn at Donkey Lane on Saturday, although they at least rescued a losing bonus point in the narrow defeat.

Despite dominating territory and possession in both halves, Ignatians frittered away numerous scoring chances and invariably had only themselves to blame for the defeat.

However, the more clinical Welwyn, off limited possession, made their pressure count to land the game’s only try via number eight Robert Picken. The visitors also added the conversion via Phil Grehan, who also scored a penalty at the end of the first half.

Ignatians missed two kicks at goal in the first half, although Jordan Wilson did hit the target at the third attempt after Welwyn were penalised for offside in the 35th minute.

The blue and golds’ high work rate was again noticeable in the second-half but, frustratingly, there was no way through.

Although Ignatians will draw some consolation from some fine individual performances from man-of-the-match Robert Rigby, tireless flanker Richard Laurence and debutant scrum-half Owen Perks.

Captain Keir Bonnar said: “Our organisation, defence and commitment was very good and we did everything right but score.”

Enfield Ignatians are away to Tabard in the league on Saturday.