A poor start cost Enfield Ignatians as they fell to a 34-22 away loss against London Two North-East leaders Romford & Gidea Park.

Stretching nine points clear of chasing Chelmsford as result of the win, Romford were quickly into their stride and raced into a 21-0 lead inside 25 minutes after Phil Stockton, Ricky Howard and fullback Matt Phillips all crossed for the unbeaten title favourites.

Ignatians didn’t to get to grips with the elements and even Tom Price struggled from his dependable boot.

However the visitors managed to score when Tom Moore blasted over from close range, although the referee had failed to spot a blatant knock-on earlier in the move.

Price added the extras but Romford continued to press at every opportunity and moved 24-7 clear at the break.

The hosts picked up where they left off in the second period as number eight Paul Bradley scored the try of the game to stretch the lead to 19 points.

Despite the deficit Ignatians pushed forward and they enjoyed a mini-purple patch that enabled them to claw their way back to 29-17.

The visitors continued to attack and managed to work a try. A driving maul, was given added impetus when Tan Mbonu fastened himself on to it, powered their way over the line. Price kept the score board ticking by adding the conversion.

Sensing a chance to win the game Ignatians poured forward but were made to pay as prop Ricky Turner found his way over in the corner to give Romford breathing space.

Enfield continued to battle and ended the game on a high after fashioning a third try when prop Shaun Quinn darted over to convey respectability to the score.

Coach Emile Hertz said: "Compared to last season, when we scored ten points here {at Crow Lane} in two games, we have definitely improved, and I don't think that many sides will come to Romford and score 22 points. However, our first-up defence let us down, and there were also too many missed tackles."

Meanwhile, the second and third sides recorded respective 20-3 and 24-15 losses to Old Albanians Thirds and Hertford Fourths.

However, the Fourths got their title ambitions back on track in Herts-Middlesex Merit Table Four after a 33-5 away win against Tring Fourths.

Ignatians' Under-13s trounced Old Verulamians 76-0 at Donkey Lane. Glory Makabukidi scoring ten of Enfield’s 12 tries.

The highflying Ignatians Under-7s Jets won all five games in a round robin tournament involving hosts Chess Valley and Harrow. Enfield fielded two sides in this age group and the Sharks won two and lost three of their five games.

The Under-8s defeated Harrow 6-4 following an earlier 4-4 draw against Chess Valley A and a 9-4 defeat by the Chess Valley B side.

The Under-11s began well with a 4-1 defeat of Harrow but were unable to break down a Chess Valley side that eventually ran out 2-0.

The Under-10s recorded respective 4-2 wins and losses against Harrow and Chess Valley.

The Enfield Ignatians youth section will continue to be sponsored by Fairview New Homes.

The partnership between the company and the Ignatians has been running for over ten years and club president Martin Baker said: “The sponsorship has been put to good use to purchase kit for what is a thriving and dynamic area of the club."