Royston Rugby Club secured promotion after a dominant display against Hendon saw them win 62-0 in Herts Middlesex One.

The result and elevation to a higher level has been testament to everyone associated with the club this season.

Delighted captain Ben Ritsema – who took on the role three years ago when Royston were struggling against regulation – told Crow Sport: “We have come so far as a club and its an honour to be a part of this achievement.

“Everyone has worked so hard and put the effort in, we have a great group of lads who are very talented”.

Royston looked in fine form throughout the game against Hendon, giving the opposition no chance to make ground, while scoring a total of 10 tries and condeding none.

Will Dacey and Dan Ritsema both picked up a hat-trick of tries, while captain fantastic Ritsema scored a pair, with John Brain and Jamie Green grabbing one each to seal promotion to London Three level.

The promotion means the club will be playing at its highest level in more than 20 years.

Head coach Hannah Gallagher told Crow Sport: “It’s been a very competitive season. The boys have had to work really hard to secure promotion.

“We’re unbeaten at home and have lost only three games. We had a slow start to the season but have improved and grown together and are unbeaten in 2018.

“I’m incredibly proud of them. I’ve been at the club since the summer and had a plan of winning promotion. The team have so much potential so I’m very pleased they’ve done the job and excited about what is to come.

“We train twice a week and the boys have been putting in the effort – now we can focus on how we can be even stronger and competitive in the league above for next season.”

The club still have a huge game at home against London Welsh – who have also been promoted – with Royston’s final game against Barnet.

Gallagher added: “They [Barnet] have had a strong season so it’s not over for us yet. We need to keep the momentum going and finish the year positively [to be] ready for next season.”

It’s not just the first team that is doing so well. The entire club is thriving – they offer rugby for all, with a thriving women’s and girl’s section, mini, junior and veterans rugby alongside the senior men’s side.

Club legend Green – the final try scorer against Hendon – hopes the success will mean the club retains existing players while attracting new talent as well to act as an inspiration for the expanding mini and junior players.

When asked what has made the difference to the club Green said: “The installation of floodlights have given the squads the opportunity to train properly during the week. The club is truly grateful to all involved in the work that went into the project”.

Royston look forward to welcoming London Welsh and their numerous supporters to the Heath on April 7 and encourage as many people as possible to cheer them on.