ROYSTON under-nines played host to Ely on the Heath on Sunday, and continued their good form with two hard-fought victories against determined opposition. In the first match Royston started slowly and fell behind to an excellent try by the visitors' fly-h

ROYSTON under-nines played host to Ely on the Heath on Sunday, and continued their good form with two hard-fought victories against determined opposition. In the first match Royston started slowly and fell behind to an excellent try by the visitors' fly-half. As the match progressed Royston began to impose their game on the opposition and dominate territorially. On the stoke of half-time Royston forced a line out after strong running from Sam Copeland and Robbie Murdock, and from the line out the excellent Oliver Townsend pounced on the loose ball to score the equalising try. After the break Royston swept downfield and recycled the ball through four phases before releasing Sam Seglemeglio on the wing to score in the corner. As the match approached full time there was enough time for a superb Sam Edney try from half way, to seal an excellent 15-5 victory. In the second game Royston made several changes, but this had no adverse effect, and they soon began to pressurise Ely. Strong tackling throughout the team constantly lead to turnover ball. The first try came after five minutes when Robbie Murdock gathered the loose ball and weaved his way through to score the opening try. This was soon followed by the try of the day by Jack Norcross who ran from deep in support of Murdock, and took an excellent pass to outsprint the cover defence. Ely stuck to the task and scored a well-worked try of their own, but Royston responded immediately with another try from Murdock. The second half followed the same pattern, as Royston never allowed Ely to settle. After five minutes Oliver Bass scored a try after a well worked tough line move. This was soon followed by a try through Freddie Finlayson, who wrong-footed the visiting defence from a midfield scrum by cutting through the unprepared blind side defence. Ely stuck to their task and forced two tries of their own. However, Royston responded through Edney and Murdock to secure a 35-15 win.