Enfield Ignatians Under-14s continue to enjoy themselves both on and off the field as they look to build on their experience in a higher league next season.

The team played two tour matches in East Anglia and took plenty from the games despite being beaten.

Their first opponents were Wymondham, a side with an excellent record, and the clash with the Wolverines resulted in a 26-12 loss. Ben Phillips claimed both the tourists’ two tries with Ryan Loo adding a conversion.

Coach Colin Pennicott said: “Wymondham had a standout player who was very hard to stop and who went over for three of his side’s four tries.

“However, it was a good learning curve for us and Wymondham are to be congratulated for their excellent hospitality.

“Our touring party numbered 44 in all, which included a large contingent of parents, and the boys were also able to focus on other activities such as rock-climbing – so it was more than just a rugby-playing experience.”

Ignatians travelled further afield in Norfolk and, 24 hours later, took on Holt – but, as in the previous game, the tourists gave themselves too much of a mountain to climb before going down all guns blazing 22-17.

Trailing 17-7 at the break, the blue and golds were the authors of a valiant second-half effort but were unable to bridge the gap in a keenly-fought contest which was played in a correct spirit.

Ignatians collected two of their three tries via the speedy Jamal Daley-Bonner and were also awarded a penalty try for a high tackle on Ben Phillips.

Ryan Loo also added a conversion. Feidhlim Ginty was named man-of-the-match.

Pennicott added: “I took a back seat in the final game as I deferred to the authority of our three young assistant coaches Dan McDermott, Sam Pennicott and Alec Willis.

“They called the shots and made the decisions. They did a good job and it was a good experience for them.”

Due to be playing in Herts-Middlesex Division Three next season after finishing second in their league, the Under-14s have nominated players for Middlesex, and are also in the process of finalising their pre-season programme in advance of the 2016-17 season.