Enfield Ignatians acquitted themselves well in their opening pre-season friendly but ultimately the greater cohesion of the division higher Saffron Walden told in the 19-5 defeat at Donkey Lane.

The Blue and Golds had most of the territory and possession but, too often, the final pass eluded them and, against the run of play, a defensive mix-up let in Walden for a score which gifted the Essex visitors a 5-0 half-time lead.

Ignatians cranked up the pressure but fell further behind as Walden’s wide game continued to test the home side and resulted in a second try after Mark Kimberley went over. 

The hosts continued to chase the game and were rewarded in the form of a well-taken try from right winger Cairo Sango, who was the chief beneficiary of an excellent break from scrum-half Charlie Shorten, before beating two defenders on his way to the line.

Ignatians were back in the game but Walden held out. Former Ignatians stalwart Tom Price, having featured in his side’s first try, was the chief instigator as his feigned pass set up the visitors’ winning try executed by Andrew Lancaster.