Royston thrashed visitors Ipswich YM in the first round of the London and South East Junior Vase on Saturday.

Royston thoroughly dominated the game with three tries in the first-half and seven in the second.

It was a messy start to the game as both teams struggled to find their rhythm. However, once Royston got going they did not look back.

Lee Gilbert opened the scoring after receiving the ball in midfield, he dummied the defence before diving over the line. The conversion was successful from Michael Schurch.

Royston soon scored again through Jonathan Whittingham after good lineout ball led to a rolling maul where the number 7 was able to drop over the line for the second try of the game. The conversion was again successful.

Royston’s third try came from Will Cottrell just before half-time.

The number 10 showed great awareness and pace to burst through a gap and sprint under the posts. The conversion was successful.

The second half saw Royston stronger than the last with tries from Tristan Tegg, Schurch and two from George Elbourn to extend the lead to 41-0.

Then came the try of the game from Lee Gilbert. He received the ball from kick-off only to chip over the defence before collecting his own kick and rounding the full back to score under the posts. The conversion was successful.

Not to be undone Dan Ritsema also put in attempt at try of the game. When collecting a loose ball he was able to side step through five players before scoring under the posts. The conversion was again successful.

With Ipswich YM feeling thoroughly demoralised Royston rounding off the day with a last minute try from Loui Dummett who smashed through two players to crash over the line. The conversion was yet again successful.

Royston return to Herts/Middlesex One league action on Saturday as they head to central London to face Belsize Park.

It will be a top five battle with Royston fifth in the table and their hosts currently in third spot.