Away win at Hertford

Hertford B Under-14 0

Royston 32

ROYSTON Under-14s kicked off their introduction to league rugby with an impressive away win at Hertford B.

After a slightly hesitant start, Royston eventually found their rhythm and began to apply the pressure, especially in the scrum.

And their perseverance was soon rewarded when Tom Stone found James Clare to run the ball over for the opening try.

Hertford held firm after that and limited Royston to a few half- chances as the visitors grew in confidence.

However, Nathan Crossman increased the score minutes before half time when he touched down after a powerful drive and rolling maul that covered 30 metres.

Going into the second half with a 10-0 lead, Royston's expansive rugby continued as the gaps in the Hertford defence began to grow.

Following another maul, Stone outpaced his opponents and touched down in the left corner.

Royston upped the tempo once more, and when Lewis Rawlings won the ball after a spilled lineout, man-of-the-match Louis Boulter sprinted clear to add another five points.

With Royston now dictating the play, Hertford had to dig deep to stay in the match and only some fine tackling prevented Josh ­Maynard from increasing Royston's total after a lightning break along the wing.

However, Maynard was not to be denied and a clever cross field kick by Boulter found the winger in space on the right, and he collected the bouncing ball and powered over for a deserved try.

There was still enough time for Clare to grab another try, when he picked up the ball at the rear of a Royston scrum and powered over in typical style from five metres out.

With Boulter adding two points from the conversion, Royston ran out worthy winners.