Royston Rugby Club’s U16s were crowned league champions after a narrow 21-12 victory at Tring on Sunday.

Royston started well with forwards John Busher, James Meecham and Callum Waring testing their opponents. Royston gained the upper hand when a Ben Ireland run and pass led to skipper Jacob Boyce powering in for the first try. Ireland added the extras.

The visitors piled on the pressure but second rower Steve Graham and full-back Chris Chivanganye were both halted after strong runs.

The second score was not long coming, though. A steal from prop James Reeder and a heel from Cameron Bonfield to scrum-half Dominic Dunklin led to Rhys Redrup racing over for Royston. Once again Ireland obliged with the kick.

After the break Tring took advantage of the slope and wind to score two tries and one conversion to make the score 14-12 in Royston’s favour.

With the momentum on their side, Tring went in search of the lead but were denied by tackles from centre Max Ayliffe and wing Harry Bayford. Still, the Crows were on the back foot for the majority of the second half.

Replacement Jospeh Gilhooly added to Royston’s commitment and after positional changes were made, wing James Kirby broke forward to push Royston up to Tring’s line. In the last scrum of the match Hooker Theo Pow won the ball against the head and skipper Boyce came off the back of the scrum to score

the try that clinched the title. Ireland converted to round of an efficient display by him and his team mates.

Coach David Ayliffe said “Godfrey [Everrit, coach] and I are extemely happy with how the boys played today.

“A special mention must be said of prop James Reeder who struggled to get out of bed due to being poorly, but to his credit he smashed Tring all game. He really got us going forward today.”

Royston can finish off an excellent season when they play their last game of the Hertfordshire County Final on Sunday, April 27.