COLIN Smith skippered Royston Vets to a 4-2 victory over the club s fierce rivals Shefford & Sandy in their first game of the summer. Within five minutes midfield general Paul Visagie had opened the scoring for The Crows with a well-placed first-time st

COLIN Smith skippered Royston Vets to a 4-2 victory over the club's fierce rivals Shefford & Sandy in their first game of the summer.

Within five minutes midfield general Paul Visagie had opened the scoring for The Crows with a well-placed first-time strike following a penalty corner, with last season's top scorer Paul Bloomfield adding a second moments later.

And it was the experienced sharpshooter that had Royston 3-0 up, when he pounced with another cool finish.

As Royston eased off the gas, the visitors hit them with a consolation, with Robert Frost well beaten in the hosts' goal.

However, Royston responded well and attacked the Shefford goal with a flurry of chances.

And after a number of brilliant saves by the visiting keeper, left-winger Colin Bateman found a way through to slide the ball home at the back post.

Royston seemed to tire in the second half and as a result began to lose control of the game.

Shefford grabbed another midway through the half, but Royston closed the game and held on to a valuable win.

Smith said: "The game was competitive, but played in good spirit, and it was clear from the start that Royston had the upper hand as they played the ball around patiently waiting for an opening.

"Overall it was a good start to the summer, but fitness will be the test, and if Royston are to progress in the Vets Cup next year, everyone in the team is going to need to get a great deal fitter.