Two of Enfield Ignatians’ veterans, Wes Warren and Ray Hayes, claimed three of their side’s five tries as the blue and golds beat Braintree 29-10 in the first pre-season friendly.

Number eight Warren opened and closed Ignatians’ account by claiming close range pushover scores on Friday, whereas tight-head prop Hayes rumbled over from a maul in the Essex away clash.

Despite the bright beginnings, Ignatians became far too loose in the wind and the rain as they ended the second quarter 10-7 in arrears after Braintree fought back with two tries of their own.

Tailoring their game far better to the conditions in the third and fourth quarters, Ignatians’ dominant pack and more structured approach yielded a bountiful harvest of four tries in this part of the game.

The positives for Ignatians were tangible and not least a strong showing from loose-head prop, Dom Nott, who capped his promising introduction by collecting the man of the match award.

He rounded off a dynamic display by forcing his way over from a pick and go, and was heavily involved in setting up try number four, with Dave Gear, which was finished off by winger Harry Masini.

Player-coach Shane Manning said: “The second half was awesome and, when we stuck to our structure, things started to happen. We then showed what we are capable of as a side.

“However, it’s only one step (in our journey). We need to take another step forward to the next game [Norwich], and then look to take another step up for the league opener [on September 8].