Predictably, the wind and rain made for a low scoring affair, but at the final whistle the twos were in credit on the scoreboard, and that’s what counts, as they began their Herts-Middlesex Merit Table Two campaign on a bright note in the gloom.

Although he final scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story as Ignatians had two tries chalked off by the referee. Both were ‘finished off’ by Ryan Browne and one was a forward pass.

However, it was the second disallowed try which really stuck in the craw from an Ignatians’ perspective, as the blue and golds again went the whole hog and dotted down before play was brought back by the referee.

The quizzical looks on the faces of the players said it all as the official, having made a very late call, ruled that Ignatians should be brought to book for hands in the ruck as the ball squirted loose.

To compound Ignatians’ frustrations, the referee awarded the penalty to Luton IIs, although winger Browne, at the heart of the game’s most dramatic moments, ultimately proved to be the difference between the two teams.

His high tackle mid-way through the first-half was sanctioned by a yellow card, and as matters got feisty, Luton IIs also had a player sin-binned for retaliation.

However, it was in the second-half that Browne proved his worth to the team, as he proved to be the chief beneficiary of Frank Antwi’s slashing 50-metre break.

Antwi was hauled down around 10-metres out but Ignatians recycled quickly with scrum-half Anzl Schwartz playing-in the supporting Browne for the only try of the game.

Paul Duke, having landed a first-half penalty when the scores were tied at 3-3, added the extras and, although Luton landed a second penalty, the half-back’s successful third pot at goal, provided enough of a cushion.

Ignatians’ gold carat pack, given plenty of impetus by props Ray Hayes and Stuart Blemings, were tailor made for the conditions as a predominantly slippery surface made handling difficult.

Although on an afternoon when the sum total of the parts really did add up, it was another member of the winger’s union, Eron Dottin-Wilson, which snared the MOM.

Spokesman Paul Duke: “Eron is noted for attacking qualities. However, on this occasion he really stood up defensively. Calum Middleton and Phil Tucker both put in two very big shifts defensively and openside flanker, Jamie Newport, Lewis White and Jake Baker were other standouts.”

Ignatians also wish the injured Luton player a speedy recovery.

The twos face Weston at home in the league on Saturday.