Royston 39 Ipswich Pumas 25 ROYSTON made a stunning start to their new East Regional season on Sunday, beating a well-organised Ipswich Pumas side. As the game took shape, Royston were in front by seven goals as Carol Parcell, Karen Hume, Tracy Stimson

Royston 39

Ipswich Pumas 25

ROYSTON made a stunning start to their new East Regional season on Sunday, beating a well-organised Ipswich Pumas side.

As the game took shape, Royston were in front by seven goals as Carol Parcell, Karen Hume, Tracy Stimson and Emma Kelly shone in attack.

And at the end of the first quarter Royston were 15-7 ahead.

As the second quarter swung into action, the hosts upped the pressure once more, with their defence not giving the Pumas an inch.

Emma Higton, Anna Pinner, and former England captain Jo Moxham were all in commanding form, making a number of vital interceptions and turnovers.

Opportunities created were quickly converted, thanks to the steady hand of Kelly, as Royston ended the second quarter further in front.

Jackie Huttlestone and Natalie Williams then joined the action as the Royston defence tightened even more, with player-of-the-match Pinner resolute.

Royston: Kelly, Stimson, Hume, Parcell, Higton, Pinner, Moxham; Huttlestone, Williams.

- Royston will face Christchurch at the Royston Leisure Centre on Sunday at 3pm.