Royston maintain unbeaten start (Picture Gallery)
Royston 7 Old Mercahnt Taylors 7
TABLE-TOPPING Royston had to settle for a draw against bottom clob Old Merchant Taylors on Saturday despite dominating for large periods of the match.
The game kicked off in robust style with Tom Dummett and Nick Alford both attacking with purpose but OMTs certainly didn’t shy away from tackling their opponents.
Dummetts unfortunately had to withdraw from the action after turning his ankle and was replaced by Charlie Sparkes before things got worse for Royston when try-a-game centre Kevin Parslow’s game was ended with a suspected dislocated shoulder. He was replaced by Tristian Tegg who was making his first appearance in Royston colours.
The home side spent much of the first half camped in OMT’s half and they took the lead when a good break from Richardson released Scott Easy and then Louis Dummett who supplied Damo Fouracres who powered over the try-line before Michael Schurch converted.
If Royston felt this try would open the floodgates they were sadly mistaken as shortly afterwards a missed tackle by Jack Sirett on the fringe led to a OMT breakway try from within their own half which was also converted.
Royston had a chance to add points before the interval with a penalty but Schurch couldn’t contend with the swirling wind and his kick drifted agonisingly wide.
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The second half started in much the same way as the first with man of the match Billy Richardson providing the main attacking threat but wrong decision making behind him was costing his side precious time and points as numerous overlaps were squandered and several players were caught out while trying to do too much on their own.
They were also not helped by the sin-binning of Easy and Jock.
Solid displays from Bearton and Nick Alford gave the team momentum going forward but Royston almost lost it near the end when an innocous challenge was penalised by the referee under the posts but unlike with Schurch’s previous penalty effort – the wind came to teh rescue of the home side as OMTs missed an easy chance to snatch a victory at the death. Despite the draw, Royston continue their unbeaten start to the season.
See picture gallery link at top right of page.
