Enfield Ignatians surrendered a four season unbeaten home record against top of the table of the Chelmsford 25-8 in London Two North-East at Donkey Lane on Saturday.

The muddy conditions should have been little problem for the Ignatians' heavy pack, but Chelmsford's much-improved forwards got on top in this game and the visitors' pressure was soon rewarded in the form of two Simon Hoult penalties and a try for Jamie Morrish.

Ignatians' Jordan Wilson rifled over a penalty only for disaster to strike close to half-time. From a turnover ball and with Ignatians' defensive alignment out of kilter, Chelmsford full-back Rhys Whitelock won the foot-race to the line to give the Essex high-fliers an 18-3 half-time lead.

A further mistake cost the Ignatians dearly after the break and, from a further turnover ball, the home side were punished by a second Morrish try after the centre fly-hacked through to score. Hoult added a second conversion and from there, Chelmsford never looked back.

Ignatians had their moments. Christo Kasabi and Frank Stavrou both had tries disallowed, leaving the hosts to console themselves with a try from Ed Barker following a good passage of play.

Speaking afterwards, coach Emile Hertz said: "Despite the scoreline, I thought we played some good rugby and the backs had their best game of the season. However, we lost control of the ball at crucial stages and were made to pay.

Ignatians returns to league action on Saturday, December 6 when they are away to Basildon.

The Fourths also had a frustrating time after going down 25-24 in the final minute to Royston Seconds in Herts-Middlesex Merit Table Five.

Tries by Bob Ridley, Brad Smith and Dan Betts, plus three Paul Duke conversions and a penalty looked to be enough but Royston emerged victorious at the death.