Enfield Ignatians steeled themselves for a big game against Tabard and came through strongly after the break to shade their Hertfordshire rivals 13-11 in London North Two North-West.

In what was billed as a must-win encounter for the Ignatians, the blue and golds struggled for momentum in the first period with Tabard capitalising on a missed tackle to work in Gerald Arasa.

But the game had a stop-start element to it and the home side kept in touch, after two successful Jake Bates penalties either side of a Tabard penalty and a drop goal from Jack Reilly, which saw them trail their league opponents 11-6 at the break.

The visitors had chances to increase their lead at the beginning of the second period but the blue and golds defended well and weathered some pressure.

Coach Ali Cook rung the changes in the second half and, in a game where neither side used the slope to their advantage, the hosts eventually settled as they dominated the last half-hour.

Jordan Wilson came to Ignatians’ rescue when he burst through a narrow gap for a well worked score and Bates added the simple conversion.

The blue and golds also had their chances to increase the lead and as the game reached its conclusion captain Keir Bonnar burst his way over the line only for the referee to disallow the try late on in a tight contest.

Cook said: “It wasn’t pretty but our defence was excellent and we battled hard for victory.

“If anything, we need to be a little more streetwise but I can’t fault the effort and commitment of the players.”