Royston lost 25-13 on Saturday to high-flying Barnet in Herts/Middlesex 1.

The game started brightly for Royston, who scored the first try through Sam Morris.

Barnet responded strongly and it did not take long before they were level through a try from their No.8 off the back of a rolling maul.

Royston were holding their own against Barnet and managed to score a penalty through Michael Schurch to end the half with a three point advantage.

Barnet were able to cancel these penalties out midway through the half when they kicked over two penalties of their own to level the match at 13-13.

Royston against started strongly in the second half and added another three points though Schurch.

Barnet, however, stole the ball from a Royston lineout inside the 22 and drove over the line to take a five-point lead.

Royston tried desperately to search for a try in the last few minutes but were undone when Barnet turned over possession and shipped the ball out wide were they had a massive overlap to score with the last play of the game. On Saturday Royston are away at Cheshunt.