It’s just Wat we wanted!

Royston 28 Watford 17

ROYSTON started their new campaign in style and saw off a strong Watford side by 11 points - a win that left head coach Luke Green beaming.

It was Royston's first game in the Herts & Middlesex Division 2N after last season's exploits were rewarded with automatic promotion.

And after his first league game in charge, Green said: "I'm extremely pleased, as it's really important to win your first game.

"The team gelled from the off despite a number of changes.

"And after a nervous start, we imposed our style in the match and looked very good.

"We showed some excellent support play, and our off-loading in the tackle was the key.

"The 28 points was also very pleasing, but it could have been more!"

Royston's opponents Watford had been relegated from Division 1N, and came to the Heath on Saturday brimming with experience and competitiveness.

But they proved no match for the new-look Royston.

However, it was the visitors who started the stronger, and immediately put Royston under pressure.

But after weathering the early storm, the hosts found their rhythm and began to take the game to Watford.

Centre Sean McDermott burst through the Watford defence to off-load to Ian Bibbey, and when the latter was stopped on the 22, the Watford defence went over the top and gave away a penalty.

McDermott, who started the move, then stepped up and calmly smashed the resulting kick through the posts to register Royston's first points of a long campaign.

However, within a minute of the restart Watford were in front with Royston the culprits of a penalty decision.

And taking a quick tap penalty the number 13 steamed forward on the overlap before the Watford fly-half converted for 7-3.

Midway through the half, stand-off Jason Deards and hooker Steve Mills combined to put winger Chris Ball over for a try in the corner after an impressive build-up to give Royston an 8-7 lead.

But it was a lead that did not last long, as a moment of scrappy play allowed Watford to slice through the defence and go straight in between the posts.

And with the Watford fly-half converting his kick, Royston were trailing 14-8 at half time.

But within two minutes of the restart centre Danny Fox switched the play for man-of-the-match Gary Ryall to stride over, and Jack Sirett converted with ease to give Royston the lead once more.

And that was extended 10 minutes later with a high tackle being punished by another coolly taken Sirett kick for an 18-14 advantage.

But the lead was cut soon after, and losing Ribbetts to the sin bin, 14-man Royston gave away another penalty and the Watford number 10 reduced the arrears to just one point.

But Royston's determination was strong, and when McDermott played in debutant Jack Hoile to stretch over for try number three, Royston were back in command and six points in front.

And that six was increased to 11 when captain Steve Clay powered through for another try after some clever play from the forwards.

Green said: "Everything is moving forward and that is what I like to see.

"It's important to win your first game and it gives the players a reward for all their efforts.

"However, we've now got to concentrate on wins number two, three, four and five."

- Royston take a break from league action on Saturday and host Cuffley at the Heath in the first round of the EDF Energy Vase.

Green said: "A cup run is always good for the club.

"Cuffley will be up for Saturday's clash and it's going to be interesting, as cup games always bring out the best in players.

"I hope we can keep moving forward, and I believe we have every chance of progressing.