Three losss in a row mean a poor end to the 1st XV League season.

When these teams met at Therfield, in the opening League match of the season (13th March), BE won 13-0 in the first League game for Royston at this level. In the subsequent seven months of the season, the North Hertfordshire side have progressed and this was shown at Byng Road on Saturday when the away pack dominated proceedings throughout the game and could have scored more than their three converted tries. Admittedly, they had the wind and slope in their favour in the first half but they also controlled matters in the second half playing against the elements. BE were well beaten on most counts.

The home discipline was poor too and the referee lost count of the penalties awarded against BE, throughout, with KIERAN PORTER yellow carded for persistent offences.

Royston scored in the 10th and 20th minutes, with two scrum-led tries, before BE rallied and scored successive tries from GLYN BAYLEY and LUKE WILLIAMS but the visitors scored a third converted try right on the half time whistle to end the half 21-10 up. And that is how the second 40 minutes ended as play switched from one team to the other although Royston had more control of the game than the home side.

So, seventh place for the 1st XV and well behind the four top Middlesex teams as well as the two Hertfordshire sides in fifth and sixth places: BE were well behind the top half of the League table.

PGY