Enfield Ignatians are already planning ahead for next season after a disappointing end to the league campaign following a 36-10 defeat against Hampstead which saw them slip to tenth in London Two North-West.

Coach Ali Cook said: "It's been a bit of rollercoaster ride this season, and the Hampstead result was indicative of this. We need to work so as eradicate this in terms of better technique, tactical nous and physicality."

A side which absorbed a fair amount of youthful talent in the pre-season, Ignatians, despite a frustrating habit of conceding cheap penalties, had the better of the first half, but with a ten to 14-point wind at their backs, will reflect that that they were only 10-7 up at the break.

They responded well to Hampstead's first try and, after a good run by Cairo Sango, and some promising interplay between the backrowers Wes Warren and Ben Mills, which didn't quite come off, they continued to up the ante and were rewarded when outside centre Robert Rigby crashed over.

Fly-half Jake Bates added the extras and also added a penalty in the fifth minute of time added on after Hampstead came off their feet in the contact area.

However, Ignatians should have been further ahead. They declined an easy shot at goal in favour of an unsuccessful catch and drive attempt, and they also missed another kickable penalty after some sterling work at the breakdown by Alex Harris led to the Hammers being penalised for holding-on.

Coach Ali Cook urged his troops to keep the pressure-on at the break and not to come away with any regrets.

However, Ignatians will have plenty after a brutal second-half collapse saw Hampstead collect 29 unanswered points, and a bonus point to boot, as they avenged a prior loss to the blue and golds.

Ignatians were certainly a little unlucky in parts. For, just when they looked nailed-on certainties to claim an equalising second try, what should have a been scoring pass from Matt Georgiou to Sango, was intercepted and Hampstead went the whole length of the field and scored at other end.

Luck also deserted Ignatians as Hampstead ran-in the fourth of their five tries. A neatly floated kick behind Ignatians' lines certainly caught the visitors on the hop, but with Sango unluckily tripping, it became a simple run-in for Hampstead.

Captain Keir Bonnar said: "We played well in parts although it felt as if we didn't really turn up in the second-half. We need to be more clinical and ruthless and it's very much a question of building for next season."