Royston 54 Wasps 5 ROYSTON got their league campaign off to a flier on Saturday following the visit of Wasps to The Heath. The hosts were focused from the off, with an early break down the right-hand side by wing Aaron Davies, beating two defenders to

Royston 54 Wasps 5

ROYSTON got their league campaign off to a flier on Saturday following the visit of Wasps to The Heath.

The hosts were focused from the off, with an early break down the right-hand side by wing Aaron Davies, beating two defenders to pass to flanker Nick Alford, who tipped the ball inside to Rob Turner who scored under the posts, converted by Dave Marvell.

Royston's good start got even better when centre Dan Fox stole Wasps' ball in midfield and broke left with Scott Easy bursting down the line.

Easy passed to Turner who shipped the ball to Marvell, who jinked left and right through the Wasps defence before passing to Alford, who scored unconverted near the posts.

Wasps tried to get themselves into the game, their number 10 kicking for territory and trying to keep Royston pinned back in their own half.

Royston continued to dominate, but late in the first half captain Steve Clay hobbled off with a knee injury, with Davies coming into the centre and Michael Schurch heading for the wing.

The change in the back line caused no problems for Royston as Turner found Easy on the burst with a delayed pass to score in the corner, converted by Michael Schurch.

Just before half-time Davies broke clean through the Wasps defence to score under the posts to give Royston a commanding 26-0 half-time lead.

The second half started slowly with both sides unable to trouble the scoreboard, but got interesting when Royston's Jason Shackleton was sent to the sin bin for violent conduct.

With an extra man, the Wasps forwards started to impose themselves on the Royston pack forcing them to fumble their own scrum.

Despite their numerical advantage Wasps could not take control of the game, and Royston turned the ball over through scrum half Jack Sirett who broke down the right with Turner in support, but the move came to nothing.

In the intense heat tempers began to fray, resulting in a melee in Royston's half. The referee was quick to the incident and sent Royston's Fox to the sin bin and dismissed Wasps' hooker for violent conduct.

Royston were quick to take advantage, with substitute Schurch capitalising on an error in the Wasps back division and leaving them for dead to score a converted try under the posts.

More errors from the Wasps backs allowed front colossus Steve Pattmore to pick up the ball and with more than half the field to the try line, he played a deft pass to Schurch who sidestepped the last defender to score, again converted. Royston were now showing a ruthlessness to their finishing.

Wasps tried to pressure the Royston line but Turner was able to kick clear. A great chase by wing Steve Bass saw him flatten the Wasps full back, allowing the ball to find its way to Davies who ran the try in with ease.

Wasps were now tiring and a panicked clearance was collected by Will Phillips who shipped the ball to Fox, back from the sin bin, who in turn put Davies clear for his hat- trick and the man of the match award.

With little time left in the game Wasps finally managed to get some possession in Royston's half and grabbed a consolation try

- On Saturday Royston travel to Cuffley for their second league fixture.

- Royston II also made a good start to their league campaign with a 44-5 win at Letchworth III.

The game was dominated by Royston with tries for skipper Dave Mason, Chris Wallace, man of the match Leighton Ryan, Stuart Highland, Paul Boulter and a brace for Rob Spragg.

Spragg also hit a conversion and Will Cotterell scored two conversions on debut. Neil Smith wrapped up the scoring with a drop goal.

On Saturday Royston II host Hertford at The Heath.