Hackney 0 Royston 22 ROYSTON continued their strong start to the season with another determined victory and clean sheet at Hackney. The result leaves the Crows top of the Herts/Middlesex League Division Three North with four wins from as many games. Ho

Hackney 0

Royston 22

ROYSTON continued their strong start to the season with another determined victory and clean sheet at Hackney.

The result leaves the Crows top of the Herts/Middlesex League Division Three North with four wins from as many games.

However the Royston squad had to dig deep as numerous players were unavailable, and to make things worse a torrential downpour prior to kick-off might have caused the game to be called off, but only resulted in a delay.

Regardless of the weather, the Crows got their game-head on and braved the elements.

In unfavourable conditions Royston's backs were unable to get their hands on quality ball until the Crows pack imposed itself.

Led by the front row stalwarts Steve Pattmore and Billy Payne, Royston's pack began to pick the game out of the quagmire, enabling Richard Williams to cross the line to give Royston a 5-0 lead.

Hackney came back strong, but clever play by Royston's backs gave centre Aaron Davies time and space to break through the home side defence and score near the posts, converted by man of the match Rob Turner, giving the men in black a 12-0 half-time lead.

The solid performance in the first half gave Royston an air of confidence which they probably did not deserve.

Hackney's line-out jumpers were crafty, stealing Crows' ball but were unable to put it to good use.

They were made to pay when Royston's Davies scored a breakaway try and wing Steve Bass plucked a wayward Hackney pass out of mid air deep in his own half and sprinted for the corner to score, both unconverted.

Royston's clinical finishing won the day, 22-0, and skipper Jack Hillman said "despite missing some key players today, we ground out a victory in difficult conditions, demonstrating the strength in depth the club has this season".

- On Saturday Royston continue their journey in the EDF Junior Vase travelling to former league rivals Old Ashmolean.