Royston Ladies moved top of the Women’s National Conference South-East East Three table thanks to a hard-fought 31-21 win at Welwyn.

Royston Crow: Royston Ladies were given a tough test by Welwyn before running out 31-21 winners. Picture: BRIAN HERDMANRoyston Ladies were given a tough test by Welwyn before running out 31-21 winners. Picture: BRIAN HERDMAN (Image: Archant)

They are four points clear of Bishop’s Stortford, who suffered a tough loss to Towcester, although they have played a game more.

Royston Crow: Royston Ladies were given a tough test by Welwyn before running out 31-21 winners. Picture: BRIAN HERDMANRoyston Ladies were given a tough test by Welwyn before running out 31-21 winners. Picture: BRIAN HERDMAN (Image: Archant)

And it is the side from Northamptonshire who are the more likely to top the tree at the end of the season with eight wins from eight and four games left.

Royston Crow: Royston Ladies were given a tough test by Welwyn before running out 31-21 winners. Picture: BRIAN HERDMANRoyston Ladies were given a tough test by Welwyn before running out 31-21 winners. Picture: BRIAN HERDMAN (Image: Archant)

Royston have just one match remaining, a trip to Basildon on April 8, but in this penultimate match-up they took an early lead.

But Welwyn came back well, capitalising on poor ball handling and scrappy defensive lines.

And it was only late on that Royston pulled together as one and pulled out some classic, tight teamwork that took them strongly over the line in the final phase.

Centre Jaz Devereux added a well-earned final conversion to close out the game and the win.