Enfield Ignatians Under-18s suffered an agonising 26-22 defeat in their title decider with Ampthill at the top of Herts Middlesex Division Four.

Both sides went into the game unbeaten but, agonisingly for the visitors, a late try from the Bedfordshire side sealed their fate.

The result was certainly cruel with Enfield leading 22-14 at the break following tries from Lewis White, Pete Dodsworth and Tom Sears.

The contest evened out in the second period and Ampthill got to within a point eight minutes from time, before landing a further try which consigned Ignatians to second spot in the league.

Ignatians had their chances of a late turnaround but, from a penalty close to the Ampthill line, the ball was knocked-on and from then on it was game, set and match to the home side.

Coach Steve Renny said: “It’s obviously very disappointing but a very spirited effort nonetheless. We were totally dominant in the first period and I felt ‘there’s no way we can lose this’. However, the fresh legs and impact subs of Ampthill made the difference in the second half.”

Renny was part of the Enfield Ignatians Fourths side which progressed to the semi-finals of the Herts-Middlesex Merit Table Five cup competition following an 18-14 win over league winners Letchworth Thirds at Donkey Lane on Saturday.

In a tight contest, it took a late try from Clive Alexander to seal the game. Ignatians also claimed a brace of tries via Seyi Adeosun and added a penalty through James Power.

Ignatians’ first team played their final away game in London Two North-East as they were beaten 29-0 by Rochford Hundred.

The side play their final game at home to South Woodham Ferrers on April 11.