Itwas a disappointing start to the new season for Enfield Ignatians as they suffered a 36-0 opening day drubbing against London Two North-East title favourites North Walsham.

After starting brightly, Enfield forced the hone side into conceding an early penalty. Unfortunately for Emile Hertz’s side Jordan Wilson couldn’t convert.

The home side then clicked into gear and showed why they are favourites to win the division by score 17 answered points.

Ignatians’ forwards fronted up well and gave more than a decent account of themselves in the lineout, but ultimately the visitors played into the hands of North Walsham with some poor and wayward tactical kicking which, at times, openly invited the counterattack.

Enfield couldn’t deal with the North Walsham attack and at half time the hosts went in comfortably ahead with the score at 17-0.

Struggling to come to terms with the pace of home side’s free flowing game, Ignatians compounded their woes by slipping off tackles and consequently the hosts added 19 unanswered points in the second-half.

It was a disappointing way to begin the new season and Hertz admitted that North Walsham were deserved winners in the contest.

He said: "I'm not looking for excuses but we certainly weren't helped by a nightmare coach trip to Norfolk, which meant that our preparation time was curtailed. However, fair play to North Walsham who were deserved winners. They got good width on their game and I was impressed with their facilities and hospitality."

Ignatians will be looking to get their season up and running this weekend when they return to Donkey Lane to host Woodford on Saturday. Kick-off time for the match is scheduled for 3pm.