Newmarket and Fordham 20 Royston Vets 34 A CONFIDENT Newmarket and Fordham side were quickly pushed backwards as Royston impressed with their quality play. The Crows pack won the majority of the scrums, with man-of-the-match Billy Payne pinching the pl

Newmarket and Fordham 20 Royston Vets 34

A CONFIDENT Newmarket and Fordham side were quickly pushed backwards as Royston impressed with their quality play.

The Crows' pack won the majority of the scrums, with man-of-the-match Billy Payne pinching the play from Newmarket and throwing the ball out to Roy Phillips who caused plenty of problems.

Colin and Paul Dacey released strong running centres Steve Bristow and Steve Crook, who took the attack up the centre of the park, while wingers Dave Ritsema and Cameron Murdoch showed their pace and strength.

Cameron Murdoch was first on the score sheet with a well-worked try before Ritsema crashed over following a deft kick from Colin Letch.

Royston kept up the pressure and although Newmarket responded with two trys, Colin Dacey kept the scoreboard ticking over with his conversions and well-taken penalty.

Paul Dacey then grabbed another Royston try, before Letch grabbed his 11th of the season as he drove off the back of a fast retreating Newmarket scrum for a 24-10 half-time lead.

Props Tim Boyce and Dave Howell kept the Royston scrum solid, while second rowers Si Rees and Dave Williams also impressed.

Royston's Chris Wallis switched from flanker to full-back and he was next on the score sheet against the run of play, before grabbing his second moments later.

The hosts hit back with two more, but by that the time The Crows were in control and sailing home to a deserved victory.

Royston Vets: Howell, B Payne, Boyce, Cottrell, Phillips, Wallis, Bergen, Letch, C Dacey, P Dacey, Murdoch, Bristow, Crook, Ritsema, T Payne. (Subs): Luckman, Drage, Boulter, Green, Williams, Rees.

The Vets will enjoy a pre-season treat with a tour of Greece coming up, including a match against an Athens Vets XV.