Old Streetonians 8pts Royston 14pts WITH relegation likely but not definite, Royston had everything to play for as they journeyed to Hackney Marshes to take on fellow strugglers Streetonians. Although Royston were bottom of the league before the match,

Old Streetonians 8pts Royston 14pts WITH relegation likely but not definite, Royston had everything to play for as they journeyed to Hackney Marshes to take on fellow strugglers Streetonians. Although Royston were bottom of the league before the match, various permutations relating to other team's results may yet provide a lifeline. A determined Royston took to the field but the visitors struggled to get any momentum going as they spent much of the first half-hour in their own 22. However, Streets could not break through the Royston defence, with Scott Easy kicking clear after a maul behind Royston's line had been cleared up by Dicky Leighton. Royston made it even more difficult for themselves when a shocker of a pass from flanker Hillman cleared fly-half Mark Lisher's head, providing him with little choice but to touch down, giving Streets the five-metre scrum. A resolute Hillman and fellow forwards soon turned things around as they managed to get Royston some possession and territory upfield. Mark Lisher struck home a 30-yard penalty to give Royston a lead which was very much against the run of play. Streets replied with a penalty as the visitors lost shape in the defensive line directly in front of the posts. After the break, there was a complete reversal as Royston pinned the hosts in their own half with solid forward play and generally safe ball in the backs. When Streets did gain possession, full back Rob Turner seemed capable of not only dealing with the threat but creating chances for the visitors with clever kicking into space. Lisher was presented with a further two penalties, both of which he kicked, to earn Royston a small but significant lead. Eventually, Royston used an ever-improving rolling maul to undo the Street's defence as Steven Patmore found himself crashing over to extend the lead to 11 points. Lisher saw his tricky conversion attempt drift just wide. Having established a healthy lead, Royston seemed to lose their focus as a number of missed tackles in succession allowed Streets to make an attempted comeback with a try in the corner. Fortunately the conversion was missed and with only a few minutes remaining the missed tackles were eradicated from the Royston game, allowing them to secure a vital victory.