Royston RFC 20 Old Isleworthians 3

ROYSTON RFC bounced back from two straight defeats to comfortably overcome Old Isleworthians on the Heath on Saturday.

Royston set the tone early and took the lead through Matt Muirhead after a period of sustained pressure in the OI’s 22. The conversion was missed, though.

Isleworthians hit back needing to get a foothold in the game and managed to slot a penalty which proved to be their only points of the match.

Royston played some really good passing rugby with both flankers Morris and Sparkes providing ample support.

One break down the left wing saw Royston work a three-on-one overlap through Richardson who offloaded to Rollo Sparkes who, in turn, flicked the ball inside to Jamie Green who powered over the line despite several defenders clinging from his back. The conversion was missed again, though.

The second half carried on much the same as the first, with Steve Mills really coming to the fore and his presence at the back of rucks and mauls and his accurate line-out throwing, as well as powerful scrummaging with the front row of Green and Dummett rightly led to him being named man of the match.

Royston’s backs were keen to add some scores of their own and great breaks by both Ellis and Ball led to major acres of ground being gained, and from one such break the ball was recycled to Pete Collins to stride over, to take the lead to 15-3.

Royston continued to pressure as the minutes ticked away but they were forced to spend a 10-minute spell with 14 men after Scott Easy was sin-binned.

The Crows secured a bonus point after Rob Turner had burst clear and they maintain their second place in the league table.