ROYSTON under-13s lost their first 15-a-side match on Sunday to a strong Chushunt team despite a valiant display.

ROYSTON under-13s lost their first 15-a-side match on Sunday to a strong Chushunt team despite a valiant display.

The young men from Royston showed they will a force to be reckoned with this season despite going down 17-10 in a hard fought game.

Royston had a dream start and scored in the first 10 minutes after a number of strong forward phases, ending with the joint man of the match Rhys Redrup bustling over for the try.

The home side was then put on the back foot when Cheshunt sent the ball unexpectedly to Royston’s backs. The home side were caught off guard and turned the ball over. Cheshunt, on the front foot, then charged over to make the scores level before converting to take the lead.

The remainder of the first half was tight but Chesnut finished the stronger going into half time and scored a second unconverted try.

Royston made a number of changes at the interval which paid dividends in the scrum department. Royston turned over every Cheshunt scrum due to strong pack work led by skipper Jacob Boyce and second-row replacement Aidan Greenwood.

After a breakaway Cheshunt try, James Shannon (joint man of the match) touched down for Royston, and with the home side looking stronger it was unfortunate then that time was not on their side.