Enfield Ignatians’ Christo Kasabi helped Cyprus record their 24th consecutive victory, beating Andorra 30-10 in the European Nations Cup.

The win in Paphos two weeks ago also means Phil Llewellyn begins his tenure as Cypriot coach in the best possible fashion and leaves Cyprus second in the European Pool 2B.

Llewellyn’s men are a place behind Lithuania, who have had the benefit of playing a game more.

Reflecting on his part in the victory, the 29-year-old prop said: “I played 65 minutes at tight head, threw in the lineout, and believe I played well. I was simply very happy to be back in the fold and playing again with my fellow Moufflons.”

Victory was hard fought, and playing the rugged, abrasive style of rugby for which they are famed, Andorra got on the front foot and took a 10-0 lead which was reduced to three points by the break after Cyprus hit back with a converted try.

Cyprus eventually rediscovered some of their flair by scoring 20 unanswered points in the second-half to eventually run out convincing winners.

Kasabi opined: “Andorra have a very typical French style pack. They’ve got a good driving maul are good in the tight, and there’s a fair bit of niggle too. As a team we started slowly and it was a poor first-half.

“We were a lot more clinical and solid in the second-half, but we simply can’t afford to have another first-half like that in the rest of our league campaign. I was impressed with our new head coach too, and given time, I think he can take us a few levels up.”

Tougher tests against Latvia and Lithuania lie ahead for Kasabi and Cyprus, but the new era has begun in ideal fashion.

The Ignatians Under-18s made a winning start to their Herts-Middlesex Division Four campaign, by beating Barnet Elizabethans 17-10 at Byng Road. Tries by Gary Kemp, Jason Blee and Lewis White were added to by a conversion from Alex Bucknall sealed the win.

There was also a victory for the Under-16s, who continued their positive momentum with a 29-20 defeat of Finchley in a friendly played at Summers Lane. There were tries by Glory Makabukidi, James Charles, Lawrence Loo and Zack Chun ensured the win.