Disallowed try proves costly for youngsters

Royston under-17 15 Datchworth 19

A battling performance from Royston was not enough to see them through against a well-drilled Datchworth side.

In their first game of the season, Royston took an early lead when fly half Will Cottrell converted a penalty.

However, the visitors fought back and eventually burrowed their way over after a series of mauls.

At 5-3 down, Royston enjoyed a purple patch, with their forwards supporting the backs, and in particular Ben and Daniel Ritsema cutting through the Datchworth defence.

And one superb move saw the latter outpace his opposite number, and with the support of Darren Grover played in Stuart Goldfinch, who scored with ease.

Moments later, another scything run from Daniel Ritsema saw him break through the centre, with brother Ben on hand to take the scoring pass.

And when Cottrell converted, Royston were in a comfortable position with a 15-5 lead at half time.

In the second half and with the wind against them, the forwards pushed on and drove Goldfinch over the line.

Unfortunately for Royston, the referee could not tell if the ball had been grounded and decided not to award the points.

It was a cruel blow for the home side, especially as Datchworth had a similar decision given in their favour only minutes later.

Then, at 15-12 with 20 minutes remaining, Grover was sin-binned for retaliation, and as a result Royston had to thwart wave after wave of attacks a man short.

After they were restored to 15 men, two key players then departed through injury, with captain Aidan Towner and scrum half Patrick McGarry making way.

With more pressure exerted on the Royston defence, it was only a matter of time before it paid off, with Datchworth's number five crashing over near the posts to set up an easy conversion and the winning points.