Royston U16s made history by becoming the town’s first team to contest for the Cambridge Cup but they came out on the losing side of a 33-7 score.

After seeing his side lose to Cambridge U16s, coach David Ayliffe said: “The result may not have went our way, but our boys showed great character to contain the Cambridge side the way they did.”

With the slope and wind in Cambridge’s favour it was an uphill task for Royston in the first half.

Despite the promptings of skipper Jacob Boyce and John Busher, Cambridge scored four converted tries.

Second rows Steve Graham and Dan Jones worked tirelessly with centres Rhys Redrup and Max Ayliffe tackling superbly.

At half-time Royston were 28-0 down but had the wind behind them in the second half.

After patching up facial and rib injuries, flanker James Meacham drove Royston forward and strong runs from James Shannon typified the team’s effort. Cambridge scored another try against the run of play and with time running out Redrup side-stepped his way to a well deserved try. Ben Ireland duly converted.

Cambridge’s team of coaches were pacing the touchline nervously as Royston finished the game strongly.

The Crows were beaten in this match, but face Hitchin in the Herts Shield semi-final next week in their quest for silverware this season.

Team: Cameron Bonfield; Theo Pow; Callum Waring; Steve Graham; Dan Jones; John Busher; James Meacham; Jacob Boyce; James Kirby; Ben Ireland; Harry Bayford; Max Ayliffe; Rhys Redrup; James Shannon; Chris Chivanganye. Replacements: James Reeder; Joseph Gilhooly; Max Oliver; Dominic Dunklin.