CRICKET: Royston were unable to pull off a second successive escape from relegation as defeat against Kimbolton sentenced them to a return to the Tucker Gardner League Division Two. Adam Newman s side needed 11 points to stay up but only managed eight, fo

CRICKET: Royston were unable to pull off a second successive escape from relegation as defeat against Kimbolton sentenced them to a return to the Tucker Gardner League Division Two.

Adam Newman's side needed 11 points to stay up but only managed eight, following their 83 run loss.

With March losing their play-off game to gain entry to the East Anglian Premier League, two teams were still to be relegated from Division One.

"The toss was crucial because if we batted first then eight of the 11 required points could have been gained by reaching 200 runs," said team manager Richard Temple.

"We could have gained a further four points for taking five wickets, even if we then went on to lose the game."

FOOTBALL: The highlight of the month for the Crows was a 2-0 FA Vase replay at Whitton United as a brace of goals from Jez McMurrough gave the depleted Royston side a win after a goalless first game. Apart from a win at Ruislip on the opening Saturday, the rest of the month was a disappointment for Royston as they went out of both league cups

ATHLETICS: A long season came to a successful conclusion for Royston pole vaulter Louise Shortland as she collected silver in the National Junior League.

Competing for her second club, Woodford Green and Essex Ladies, Shortland recorded a height of 3.50 metres, missing out on gold on the countback rule.

RUGBY: Appalling conditions did not prevent Royston from opening their Herts/Middlesex League campaign with a 23-5 victory against Old Streetonians.

There was also success for the vets' side as they hammered Wendons Ambo 64-0.

FOOTBALL: In a month where they played just three games, Buntingford defeated Little Munden and Sandbridge, but lost to Wormley Rovers.

GOLF: Tina Broadley collected her seventh straight Heydon Grange Club championship.

Broadley, off eight, held on to her one-shot lead after 18 holes to finish with a gross 124 by the 27th - one shot ahead of Dawn Glennie, 12, who achieved the best net score.

Meanwhile, Royston Golf Club member Jonathan Osler beat club-mate Oliver Bance in a play-off to secure the 37th annual open title on The Heath.

MOTOR RACING: Ryan Lewis finished in a fine second place at Mondello Park in Ireland.

After a difficult time in race one, the Royston racer was delighted to get a great result in the second race of the day.

"That just goes to show what you can do when you qualify at the sharp end of the grid," said Lewis as he stepped down from the podium.

"It was a real battle to stay in front of Charlie (Kimball) as we were struggling for pace, especially when my tyres went off.

"The first corner incident played into my hands.

"Alvaro (Parente) and Danilo (Dirani) tangled and I was able to sneak around the outside and take second place.

"It's good to be back up on the podium - it's been a while!