ROYSTON Rugby Club ­suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Cantabrigian, but put in another good ­performance as they ­continue to build for the ­season ahead. Although they lost the match 17-15, Royston first team were 10-5 ahead at the break, before s

ROYSTON Rugby Club ­suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Cantabrigian, but put in another good ­performance as they ­continue to build for the ­season ahead.

Although they lost the match 17-15, Royston first team were 10-5 ahead at the break, before sweeping changes allowed their hosts back into the match.

Club chairman David Gee said: "We put our strongest line up out in the first half and were deservedly leading.

"We took a big squad with us, so we gave a few of the veterans a run out in the second half and they managed to get back into it."

Jack Sirrett was awarded the man of the match after an aggressive contest with the Cantabs half backs, while Daniel Fox also impressed with some crunching tackles, one of which led to him being blood- binned.

Michael Schurch also used his pace to good effect once more, ­scoring an eye-catching try which he himself converted.

The second-half team of veterans and second team players did well to match their hosts for long periods, although they will be disappointed with the number of line outs they lost.

Paul Rabbetts was in particularly good form, executing some ­excellent turnover tackles, and ­displaying a high level of fitness and commitment.

"Cantabs play in a higher league than ourselves, so we aquitted ­ourselves well," said Gee.

"There's a feeling around the club that we can do well this season.

"The coaching is really ­professional now, and we think we can have a real go at getting another promotion."

Royston's next pre-season game is at home to Stevenage II on Saturday.

n The quality of youth development at the club has been praised by the RFU, which presented Royston with a Seal of Approval at a ceremony last Sunday.

The Seal is a quality standard that assesses whether the club is well managed and has appropriate ­welfare, child protection, and club development plans and policies in place.

Gee said: "We had a small ­dedicated team of volunteers who were determined to make sure we got this accreditation quickly.

"They have collated the various policies and drafted new ones where there were shortfalls.

"The club is already reaping the rewards of this."

Royston secretary Jamie Johnson said: "We had most of what we needed, but it was all over the place with different people, stored away here and there.

"This initiative has pulled it all together, and forced us to be more proactive.

"The club has in effect changed gear and I am sure that every ­member has witnessed the change and will benefit from it.