ROYSTON under-8s seized the Cambridgeshire County Cup from their Newmarket rivals with a dramatic last-minute try in the drizzling rain at Cambridge’s Grantchester Road on Sunday.

ROYSTON under-8s seized the Cambridgeshire County Cup from their Newmarket rivals with a dramatic last-minute try in the drizzling rain at Cambridge’s Grantchester Road on Sunday.

Fresh from their North Herts tournament victory at Letchworth the previous week, Royston started confidently, dismissing the challenge of the Wendens Ambo 6-3 with both Reece Worby and Alfie Pocock standing out.

Royston then beat St Neotts 3-1 thanks to excellent performances from Max Jones, Max Jenkins, George Coote and Nikhil Gorantla before drawing 4-4 with Cambridge to secure passage to the play-offs.

First up in the play-offs were rivals Haymarket and solid displays from Jack Elliot and Matthew Doyle at the back ensured a 5-5 draw. Other results meant Royston needed to win their next match against Huntingdon by three tries to take the cup.

Noah Ford showed good pace and determination to push Royston to a 5-2 lead before Huntingdon scored again with a minute remaining and it looked all over for Royston. However, on the last play of the match, assistant coach Adam Rich urged his tired players forward one last time. Incredibly, Evan Till, taking a break from his defensive duties, took a pass, found space and crossed the try line to deliver an excellent victory.