Enfield Ignatians clinched a dramatic 28-21 win over Harpenden after a last-minute interception try by Jack Wilson in their London Two North West clash.

In a game of twists and turns, Enfield Ignatians did well to overturn a 21-10 half-time deficit.

They claimed a very well-worked try from Keir Bonnar, converted by Jordan Wilson. The latter also added a penalty as the blue and golds kept within touching distance in the first period.

However, the more clinical Harpenden had the better of the first half. Quick to seize on opposition mistakes, the visitors farmed the slope and the elements by running in in three tries via centre Thomas Sweeney (two) and full-back Fred Gulliford. Sweeney also added three conversions.

The second half was a different story as Ignatians came back strongly. Two successful Jordan Wilson penalties either side of a pushover try from prop Matt Pollard levelled the scores setting up a grandstand finish.

In a game of high drama, Ignatians almost threw it away. Five minutes from time, the blue and golds carelessly turned over the ball and only a try-saving tackle from Robert Rigby, allied to some desperate defending close to the line, prevented an almost certain score.

Eventually lifting the siege, Ignatians found salvation in attack. Yet, just when the game seemed destined to end in a draw, it was Harpenden’s turn to get careless, and a stray pass was eagerly devoured by Wilson to snatch victory.

Coach Ali Cook said: “The mental fortitude of the side was admirable. We gifted the opposition a couple of scores in the first period, and we talked at half-time about the improvements needed if we needed to get back in the game. Our second-half display was a big improvement.”

Enfield Ignatians are at home to Campion in the next round of the Intermediate Cup at Donkey Lane on Saturday.

The seconds suffered an agonising 17-13 away defeat to Hitchin seconds. A try from Piers Horgan, combined to eight points from the boot of Paul Duke, was not quite enough.

Ignatians thirds suffered a 29-5 home reverse to Hackney thirds. Seyi Adeosun claimed a consolation score for the blue and golds in a game, which went to uncontested scrums from the off.

The Under-14s overcame spirited Datchworth 27-22 in an entertaining friendly.

Tries from hat-trick hero Ben Phillips. Louis Welby, Akin James, allied to a Daniel Redding conversion, laid down the foundations of victory.