Harpenden made it three without defeat after a workmanlike performance brought a 17-3 win over Enfield Ignatians.

The win keeps the Redbourn Lane rugby club in fifth position in the London North West Two table.

Following their exciting contest the previous, week Harpenden were able to put out one of their strongest squads this season.

After the initial exchanges following kick-off, Harpenden’s Tom Sweeney produced one of his magnificent kicks to touch putting his team into Ignatians’ territory.

But, as was often the case early on, the throw gave Ed Preston no chance of catching the ball.

Fortunately Harpenden were running the ball well and after seven minutes they opened the scoring when Oliver Brown, Robert Smith and Ollie Mann combined to put Ashley Smith in.

Sweeney converted that and stretched the home side’s advantage a few minutes later, landing a penalty from 35 metres.

Enfield for their part were guilty of kicking away too much possession and the odd time they did break through they found the Harpenden three-quarter line in fine form.

And so it was no surprise when Harpenden grabbed a second try, the invaluable Preston and his fellow forwards forcing their way over the line from 10 metres out.

Mann took over the kicking duties with Sweeney feeling the effects of a leg-strain. But the result was no different.

Five minutes before the break Ignatians made their mark with a well-struck penalty from fly-half, Jake Bates.

The second half saw Harpenden fall into the same trap as the visitors, with the boot far too prevalent to allow for running rugby, and the game trundled to a finish with no further scores added.

Harpenden have four games remaining with third-place very much in their sights.

Bottom club Staines provide their next opponents a week on Saturday.