Enfield Ignatians suffered their fifth consecutive defeat in London Two North West as they let a nine-point lead slip to lose 28-21 at home to Hemel Hempstead.

The hosts led 21-12 towards the end but a capitulation in defence saw them concede three late penalties to remain rooted in 10th in the league, despite gaining a losing bonus point.

Ignatians made the first move on Saturday, getting behind the Hemel back line within the first minute, and returning winger Hadee Fayaz beat his opposite number to touch the ball down.

They increased their lead to 8-0 when they forced a scrum penalty, resulting in a successful kick from Paul Duke, but Hemel fought back and scored two quick tries before Fayaz restored the lead with his second try.

Duke then added a second penalty after Hemel were sanctioned with a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on to make the half-time score 16-12 in Enfield’s favour.

After the break, Cairo Sango looked to have made the game safe for Ignatians went he went over, but a poacher’s try for Hemel rocked the Enfield defence and, under increasing pressure, they coughed up three penalties late on to go down to defeat.

Ignatians are next in action on Saturday, January 26 when then go up against bottom side Letchworth Garden City.