Watford 21 Royston 29 WITH relegation looming, Royston confirmed their place in the Herts and Middlesex Division 2 North with a crucial win at rivals Watford. The victory condemned the hosts to relegation and with Old Tottonians also losing, Kevin Green s

Watford 21 Royston 29

WITH relegation looming, Royston confirmed their place in the Herts and Middlesex Division 2 North with a crucial win at rivals Watford.

The victory condemned the hosts to relegation and with Old Tottonians also losing, Kevin Green's side are safe for another season.

Green said: "This was a great win for us, and very much deserved. We've beaten both of the teams below us home and away which has been vitally important."

It has been a mixed campaign for The Crows, who have impressed after last season's promotion, but have also struggled to find their consistency and momentum to see games through.

However, they turned on the style on Saturday, bolstered by several veterans, including Colin Letch and former first-team captain Kirk Woodford.

Royston kept their heads as their opponents lost theirs, with two of the Watford players seeing red as the game became ill tempered.

And it was a remarkable comeback from Royston who were trailing 18-0 at half time.

But man-of-the-match Chris Wallis bagged the first of two tries within 10 minutes of the restart, when he pounced on a loose ball five metres out.

Then winger Steve Bass went over, and with skipper Letch slotting over the conversion The Crows were back in the game at 18-12.

Watford responded with a well-taken penalty, but Wallis increased the pressure with his second try of the game with a brilliant run from the half way line following some clever play from Letch, who also dispatched the conversion.

Watford gave away a number of penalties. From one of these hooker Jason Shackleton was illegally impeded, and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try, which Letch converted to give The Crows a deserved lead.

With seconds left Royston were awarded another penalty deep in the Watford half and again Letch was on hand to slot the ball over.

n Royston entertain Hertford on Saturday in a friendly at the Heath, with the Vets also in action at home, against Hertford Vets.

Royston Vets 21 Vauxhall Motors Vets 0

A DETERMINED Vauxhall Motors Vets could find no way past an excellent Royston defence on Saturday.

Royston were never afraid to run deep, with fly-half Paul Dacey setting up early runs for Steve Bristow and Steff Gordon.

The Royston back row trio of Eddie Crowe, Tony Richardson and Brian Bergen playing his first game at No8 and winning man of the match, impressed throughout.

The Crows broke the deadlock, with Cameron Murdoch speeding around his opposite number and then under the posts for a try which was easily converted by Colin Dacey.

After the break Royston grabbed a second try courtesy of some intelligent play from both the forwards and backs.

Steve Crook who had a hand in all three of Royston's tries passed back inside, with hooker Billy Payne driving over, and Colin Dacey adding another two points.

Their third and final try came from winger Neil Speed, converted by Paul Dacey.

Royston Vets: Howell, Payne, Drage, Cottrell, Phillips, Crowe, Richardson, Bergen, C Dacey, P Dacey, Murdoch, Bristow, Crook, Smith, Gordon.