ROYSTON Rugby Club s under-eights narrowly missed out on another trophy, losing to Welwyn in the Herts County Championship. Capping a fine season, with two major tournament victories and another runners-up spot, Royston demonstrated again that they are ma

ROYSTON Rugby Club's under-eights narrowly missed out on another trophy, losing to Welwyn in the Herts County Championship.

Capping a fine season, with two major tournament victories and another runners-up spot, Royston demonstrated again that they are match for the bigger clubs, with wins over Fullerians of Watford, and Tabard of North-London.

They saw off Fullerians in their opening game with Ben Sams setting up Sam Hurd, who grabbed Royston's first one-point try with ease.

In an entertaining match, Hurd went on to score five more tries, with Sams and Jamie Caldwell adding to his account. Daniel Rabbetts and James Morris also impressed, as Royston ran out 8-6 winners.

Tabard were the next to be seen off, with Royston's defensive line again too strong for their opponents, with Hurd (3), Kye Blows, Sams, Oscar Jones, and Caldwell all grabbing tries in a 7-4 victory.

In their final game Royston met 2007 county champions Welwyn, who hit The Crows with an early try, before adding two more without reply.

Angus Few-Martin restored Royston's hopes just before half-time, when he went over for a deserved try.

Welwyn extended their lead moments into the second half, although Few-Martin cut the arrears again, with another well-taken try.

And Royston were soon back in the game when Hurd made it 4-3 following some good play from Tommy Compton.

However, the reigning champions soon pegged Royston back with two more quick tries to finish 6-4 winners.

Welwyn went on to win the trophy following a 6-3 win over Hertford in the semi-final, before seeing off Old Albanians 7-3 in the final.