ROYSTON Rugby Club under-nines reached the final of the Northampton Rugby Festival. The Crows were invited to the tournament following their previous success in the Cambridgeshire County Cup, and continued to shine winning their three pool games against

ROYSTON Rugby Club under-nines reached the final of the Northampton Rugby Festival.

The Crows were invited to the tournament following their previous success in the Cambridgeshire County Cup, and continued to shine winning their three pool games against Northampton Casuals, Wellingborough and Daventry, and their semi final with a strong Diss side.

It was a hard-fought semi final, and again Royston showed their strong defensive game which allowed their forwards time, with Edward Shannon, Ashley Jones, captain William Tyrell and Jamie Drage helping them to a narrow but deserved win.

In the final, Royston came up against another strong team in Rushden and Higham, and they were immediately in front when Tyrell went over for a brilliant try.

However, Rushden fought back and as a result they were soon back in the game with their own well-taken try.

Shannon almost restored Royston's lead with a fantastic solo run from deep within his own half, but was unfortunately tackled just before the Rushden line.

Royston eventually tired and they fell behind when Rushden added another try, which proved to be the winner despite The Crows bravely battling until the end.