Royston too strong for the Rhinos

After six straight league defeats, Haringey Rhinos looked to jump start their season against a Royston side regrouping after last week’s uncharacteristically heavy defeat against the now league leaders, Belsize Park.

Despite driving rain in the first 20 minutes and strong winds throughout, Royston provided their home support a display of complete domination at the break down and set pieces with some fine running rugby when conditions allowed.

From the off, a solid platform created by some ferocious scrummaging from captain Damien Fouracres and prop Alex Hiom put Royston on the front foot. The pressure caused by the early possession proved too much for the Haringey defence with man of the match Louis Dummett running over the first try of the match.

As the rainclouds lifted, Royston could revert to their natural style of running rugby; no better illustrated than when Tristan Tegg showed both strength and fast feet to score under the posts following some clinical set moves from Royston’s back line.

The bonus point was secured before half-time with scrum half Adam Smith scoring from the back of a ruck with a well poached try from 10 metres out and Jono Whittingham capping off a superb short lineout and controlled drive from the home forwards, fly half Ben Ritsema converting both.

The half-time break did little to lessen the tempo of the match.

With the pressure taken off, Smith and Ritsema were free to control the game, producing some fluid and structured phase play resulting in a try apiece, Ritsema converting each.

After being held up over the line by the visiting scrum half on his initial attempt, second row John Brain rumbled over the line to continue his scoring form in his first season for Royston.

Player-coach Robert Turner cut through the tiring Haringey defence to score and Ritsema again crossed the line for his brace to wrap up a nine-try haul for Royston,who will be buoyant for Saturday’s game away at Old Actonians.