Enfield Ignatians suffered late disappointment after losing 11-7 in their London Two North West opener at home to Hampstead on Saturday.

Although Ignatians had their moments in the first half they were unable to translate their pressure into points and it was Hampstead who made the breakthrough after the visitors’ number eight forced his way over from a five-metre scrum.

Ignatians suffered a double whammy as New Zealand wing Johnny Dixon was forced off injured after some desperate and brave defending in trying to prevent the score.

The game was played mainly between the two 22s in the second period but seven minutes from time Ignatians responded after winger Cairo Sango capitalised on some dithering in the defence to go under the sticks.

This made the Jordan Wilson conversion a formality. However, the blue and golds, having snared a 7-5 lead, failed to close the game out, and a late Hampstead rally ensured the Ignatians had to console themselves with a losing bonus-point.

Coach Ali Cook said: “It was a game of fine margins and it was disappointing to lose even though this was a step-up from the disappointing (pre-season) Dunstablians’ effort. We need to be far more clinical and translate our pressure into points. It was one that got away.”

Ignatians are away to Welwyn in the league on Saturday.

Ignatians Seconds got off to a good start in Herts-Middlesex Merit Table Two after a 26-17 win over Cheshunt Seconds.

Lewis White, Caolan Davey and Ryan Browne (two) crossed for Ignatians, with Paul Duke adding three conversions.

However, the promoted Thirds suffered a rude awakening in Herts-Middlesex Merit Table Four after suffering a 60-5 away defeat to Fullerians Thirds.

Alex McCall scored for the visitors.