League title in the bank for youngsters

ROYSTON Rugby Club became Herts and Middlesex Under-14 Division Four champions with an impressive 17-12 win over Bank of England sealing the title.

It came right down to the wire for the youngsters, who before kick off had occupied third spot behind their opponents and Hemel Hempstead.

However, Bob Simpson's side were clearly fired up, with The Crows getting off to a ­flying start as scrum half Louis Boulter fed Tom Stone for the opening try.

And the hosts' lead was doubled moments later, when James Clare picked the ball up at the back of a scrum and powered round for another well-taken try.

Despite a number of further opportunities, Royston were unable to extend their lead and as a result Bank began to force their way back into the game.

And the Royston players had to battle for every inch of ground as they held on to their 10-0 lead at half time.

However, the visitors responded well after the break and piled on the pressure once more, and The Crows' line was eventually broken following a clever move from a five- metre scrum.

With the additional two points added from the conversion, the game was firmly in the balance. But then Bank conceded a penalty, which Boulter intelligently dispatched over his advancing opponents for man-of-the-match Clare to run on to.

And after shrugging off two challenges, Clare outsmarted the Bank defence and strode under the posts for his second try of the game.

Boulter added the conversion, with Royston then having just 10 minutes to hold on to their lead and with their hands almost on the league title.

The final period was played out entirely in The Crows' half, and although they were breached once more, the hosts held firm and capped a memorable first competitive league season with a highly deserved title.

Coach Bob Simpson said: "All the players deserve credit for how they have played throughout the season.

"It's a fabulous result and it has done much to put Royston's junior rugby on the map.