Royston 34 Old Tottonians 14 IN a vital clash, the Crows came up trumps with a five-try romp which confirmed head coach Kevin Green s belief that his team can play well at this level. After being promoted to the Herts & Essex Division 2 North, Royston h

Royston 34 Old Tottonians 14

IN a vital clash, the Crows came up trumps with a five-try romp which confirmed head coach Kevin Green's belief that his team can play well at this level.

After being promoted to the Herts & Essex Division 2 North, Royston have got off to a mixed start in the higher division, although last week Green told The Crow that he was confident his players would produce the goods.

And they did just that with an impressive home win against the north-London based Old Tottonians.

Green said: "It was certainly the performance I had been looking for.

"They dominated from the start, and despite a brief lapse in concentration it was probably their best performance of the season. It was an excellent all round team performance, and the boys certainly rose to the challenge in what was a must win game."

Once again Royston took to the field with several changes to the side, although there was the awaited return of both Rob Turner and Jason Deards.

But the hosts started well with veterans captain Colin Letch, who was also called into action, opening Royston's account with a well-taken try after some determined play from the forwards.

In fact, the Royston forwards were totally dominant and their pressure created another chance, with Letch slotting home a penalty to take the score to 8-0.

And in buoyant mood, the Crows continued to overrun Old Tottonians and after more good play from the forwards, fly-half Rob Turner scythed through under the posts to give Royston a 15-0 lead at half time.

And despite losing hooker Steve Mills to a second yellow card, Royston started the second half in exciting mood and with a man down produced some of the best rugby they had played all season.

Centre Jason Deards added another try after a powerful break from flanker Kirk Woodford, crossing the line unopposed before Steve Bass went over for Royston's fourth of the game.

And the match was effectively sealed when Letch kicked the conversion to open up a 27-point lead.

With the points seemingly in the bag, Royston began to relax and as a result allowed their opponents back into the action by conceding two sloppy tries.

And after warning his players about their recent lapses in concentration, Green was rightfully annoyed at a point in the game his side should have been exerting their control.

Encouragingly though, this did provide a spur for the hosts, who eventually got back into their stride when substitute Russ White drove through a mass of bodies to score a well-taken try.

Letch duly converted, and took his day's total to 17-points - a figure that won him the man-of-the-match award.

Captain Woodford also impressed with his tenacious tackling, as did Jason Shackleton and as a result Royston held on and ended the game as comfortable winners.

Green said: "If we can continue with this type of play then we should definitely see more league points attained before Christmas, which should put us in the top half of the league table.