Southgate 0 Royston 103 ROYSTON returned to the top spot with a superb display of powerful running and clinical finishing on Saturday. The game also saw the return of captain Steve Clay, who had spent three months on the sidelines injured. His return ga

Southgate 0 Royston 103

ROYSTON returned to the top spot with a superb display of powerful running and clinical finishing on Saturday.

The game also saw the return of captain Steve Clay, who had spent three months on the sidelines injured.

His return gave Royston a boost, and it was clear that the home side had no answer to the visitors' pace and power, especially that of prop Eli Barabi, who was given the man-of-the-match award.

Within 10 minutes, Royston had secured two converted tries and a penalty goal

They had total command of the majority of play, and when Southgate did have possession they rarely tested Royston's lines.

At half-time the visitors were leading 53- 0, having scored eight tries, five conversions, and a penalty goal.

In the second-half the rugby was much the same, with Royston launching attacks from every part of the field.

This domination led to a further eight tries, and another five conversions.

One of the standout tries came from Steve Patmore.

After Charlie Fiddler stole a Southgate throw 20 metres out, the pack drove for the line, and when the ball was released at the ruck, Bill Payne put Patmore in the corner with the aplomb of a centre three-quarter.

The other tries came courtesy of Barabi (3), Aaron Davies (4), Michael Schurch (3), Steve Bass (2) and one apiece from Robert Turner and Sam Newsom.

With his three tries Schurch also kicked 10 conversions and a penalty goal to give him a personal haul of 38 points.