Narrow defeat for Royston

Royston 7 Thamesians 8

AFTER last week's impressive win, Royston had high hopes for Saturday's game - but fell narrowly short in their first home game of the season.

In the opening minutes of the match, the visiting team started well with their effective overlap causing Royston problems. And it was from one such manoeuvre that led to Thamesians try, with their winger going over unopposed.

Having converted the resulting kick, the Londoners no doubt thought there was more to come. However, Royston kept their heads and following a prolonged period of play were unfortunate not to come away with the three points.

Neither team looked like scoring for large parts of the game, although the home side did enjoy success in their set pieces with Nick Alford and Garry Ryall winning numerous lineouts and dominating the scrum.

But Royston's tight play was not up to the standard it was the previous week, losing the ball in the rucks and mauls which in turn gave the backs a lack of possession.

Shortly before half-time Thamesians were awarded a penalty within kicking distance which they slotted over to extend their lead to 8 - 0.

The second half started in much the same way as the first half with neither team breaking the line.

However, after seeing a Thamesian player sin-binned, Royston used the advantage to claim their only points of the game as Jack Hillman went over from five metres out. With Joe Hillman converting, Royston were then within just a point of their rivals.

As The Crows desperately searched for the victory the breakthrough never came, with the visitors doing just enough to hold on.

Royston travel to Ilford on Saturday for the second round of the EDF Energy Junior Vase.