Will Dacey notched 20 points as Royston got the new season off to a winning start with a convincing victory at Saracens Amateurs on Saturday.

Dacey kicked the first points of the game early on and a poor kick-off immediately after allowed Dan Ritsema and Ashley Eusden to push deep into the Saracens half, where Crows number 10 Lee Gilbert’s control with the boot forced another penalty for Dacey to hit home.

Royston continued to push with the forwards securing the ball and giving the backs space.

Great hands by Chris Ellis and Ritsema allowed Dacey to put more points on the board, scoring the first try of the game and once again kicking cleanly.

Soon after quick phase play saw the impressive Dacey once again cross the line for his, and Royston’s, second try.

As the first half continued, Saracens went on the offensive, forcing Royston to defend their own line just five metres out.

Royston’s clearance kick, however, allowed Joel Simpson to intercept a loose pass, racing away to score under the posts, the try converted by Dacey for 25-0.

Saracens applied near constant pressure right from the second-half whistle but Royston’s defence withstood the intense barrage well. However, penalties conceded in dangerous areas saw Dacey yellow carded for persistent infringements spending 10 minutes in the bin.

The 14 men of Royston coped well, clearing their lines on several occasions after turnover ball was secured.

Substitute Alex Maskell was called into action almost immediately as Saracens finally broke the Royston defence and headed for the try-line, only for him and Smith to pull off an outstanding last-ditch tackle to not only prevent the score but dislodge the ball in the process, allowing Royston the reprieve of a 22m drop-out.

An attempted quick 22m drop-out saw the ball directly back in Saracen hands, allowing their full back to score an unconverted try in the right-hand corner.

Royston regrouped and camped down in Saracens’ territory time and time again.

Ritsema had their best chance of a fourth try but Saracens held firm to avoid a bigger margin of defeat.Roystoncontinued to press for that 4th try, and with the last play of the game, created an overlap out wide that just couldn’t be finished off.

All in all, a positive 25-5 win away from home to start the season with a bang. The overall performance was good, and with a bit more game fitness and organisation, Royston will look to have a real impact. Next week brings a tougher challenge as Royston entertain local rivals Verulamian’s up the Heath at 3pm on the 17th. With more players available next week, competition for places will be tough and all will be working hard.