A tough three weeks for Enfield Ignatians culminated with defeat in the Middlesex Cup semi-final against current holders Hammersmith & Fulham on Saturday, losing 23-3 at Donkey Lane.

Far from disgraced against a team which has higher league aspirations, Ignatians scored their only points of the game late in the first-half when a late Jack Wilson penalty provided the Blue and Golds with some consolation.

The visitors landed two penalties via Neil McClure and a try from Tony Bryant to take an 11-3 lead into half-time.

Hammersmith & Fulham then added two further tries from James Lo and Joel Rabbidge in the second period, added to by a successful McClure conversion, to seal the Ignatians’ exit at the semi-final stage.

Ignatians certainly had their moments, notably from five catch and drive attempts inside the Hammers' 22, only to come up bust at the bank on each occasion.

Coach Emile Hertz said: "It's been a tough three weeks for us. We've successively played the first and second in our league (London Two North-East) and the third in London Two North-West (Hammersmith & Fulham) in the cup.

"However, we were beaten by a better side. Hammersmith & Fulham made life very difficult for us, as they bullied us at the breakdown and made it very hard for us to get clean ball. They've had a very good openside flanker and were quick to deny us time and space."

Enfield Ignatians resume league action of Saturday when they entertain Basildon in London Two North-East at Donkey Lane.

The Fourths won their re-arranged fixture away to Weston in Herts-Middlesex Merit Table Five.

Tries from George Barker (2), Adonis Kleanthous, Steve Renny, added to ten points from the boot of Xavier Babington, sealed a 30-24 win.

There was also good news for the Enfield Ignatians Under-16s, who secured a 45-0 default win over Wasps in Herts-Middlesex Division Two.

It was the Blue and Golds' third league win of the campaign in five attempts.

However, the Under-14s lost their Herts-Middlesex Division Three league clash with Finchley 32-12.

It was a similar story in Herts-Middlesex Division Four as the Under-13s lost 37-24 to Chess Valley, taking a losing bonus point.