Royston 7 HAC 27 ROYSTON gave a much improved performance and the score did not reflect how close the match was. Unlike past games Royston came out fast recycling the ball well to allow Tom Dummett to give the backs plenty of ball to run with. In defence

Royston 7 HAC 27

ROYSTON gave a much improved performance and the score did not reflect how close the match was.

Unlike past games Royston came out fast recycling the ball well to allow Tom Dummett to give the backs plenty of ball to run with.

In defence some good covering tackles from Jason Deards and Joe Hillman prevented HAC from taking any points from the first half leaving the game very open. Shortly before the break young Ben Ritsema retired from the field with an injured shoulder and was replaced by senior centre Dan Fox.

The fresh legs had an immediate impact as Fox chased and collected a well weighted kick from Deards to score a try close to the posts. The resulting conversion gave Royston a well deserved 7 - 0 lead as the half time whistle went.

The second half started with HAC sensibly taking three points from a penalty awarded within easy kicking distance of the posts. This was the beginning of a flurry of HAC scores as Royston's concentration lapsed.

This period saw the visitors put four tries past the Crows, two of which were converted. The home team did rally and regained the impressive play of the first half for the last 20 minutes of the game. Good rucking from the Royston forwards meant that the visitors line was under threat and as a result HAC gave away a number of penalties in kicking positions.

But with the score line as it was the Crows had no option but to go for the big points and run the ball. A number of attacking efforts resulted in nothing as a mixture of handling errors and good defence from the visitors kept Royston from crossing the try line again.