ROYSTON IIs started the new season by playing Cantabs in a friendly at the health. Royston were hoping that that Cantabs would bring only their second team but unfortunately for them their firsts did not have a game so they made the journey. Despite this

ROYSTON IIs started the new season by playing Cantabs in a friendly at the health.

Royston were hoping that that Cantabs would bring only their second team but unfortunately for them their firsts did not have a game so they made the journey.

Despite this Royston, who had a scratched team due to confirmed players letting them down, started well and held their own throughout the first half.

With stand-in captain Chris Wallis winning the toss and electing to play downhill, the first half ended 7-5 to the home side.

Royston's forwards were outstanding as they dominated the scrums and mauls during the opening period and it was during one of these that Shaun McDerrmott broke off and scored from just inside the 22-metre line, a try converted by Mark Lisher.

The second half saw a very different Cantabs team with the introduction of a few first team players.

Despite Royston still dominating the scrums, break downs and Jamie Green's new found pace in his new position on the wing, Cantabs' backs found the small holes in Royston's defence and score several times which resulted in a 36-7 loss for the home team.

Royston can take very few negatives from this game but far more positives, and after the game captain Chris Wallis said he could not fault the effort of the players that turned up and he does not think Royston let them self down at the beginning of what is going to be a long season due to the seconds having 12 teams in their league this year.

Anyone interested in turning out for Royston this year should contact Jamie Johnson on 07850 086208.