Stevenage Town RFC

Stevenage travelled to Royston for their 1st league match of the season. Their opponents, who last year played in the league above, were always going to be tough opposition. With clear skies and a strong wind the lads would have to adapt their game. Royston kicked off into the wind and the battle began. After some strong hard running from Stevenage and some great work at the break down, the lads looked up for the game. After making good ground and getting to the 22, the ball was turned over and Royston sprung a rapid attack and went the full length to score under the posts: 7-0. A shock after some good pressure. Stevenage re started and sent the ball deep into Roystons half and after some solid tackles we turned the ball over and managed to spin the ball wide for Billy to score a fine try. Conversion scored from out wide: 7-7.

After the kick-off didn't go 10 metres, Stevenage elected for a scrum which resulted in a penalty to Royston. They went for touch, but the strong wind held it up and again Billy was on hand to pick it up and out pace 3 chasing defenders for his 2nd try. Conversion missed: 7-12.

From the restart a number of penalties pushed Stevenage back into their own 22 and following a quick tap Royston had their 2nd try of the game. Conversion missed: 12-12. 

The game then saw a couple of flash points with both teams getting a bit too "friendly" for the ref's liking. An off the ball incident saw Stevenage down to 14 players after a straight red. With still 5 mins of the 1st half to go we had to dig deep and fight hard. A bulldozing run, one of many from no.8 Ciaran,saw him smash his way over from 5m out to give Stevenage a lead. Conversion scored: 12-19

From the restart the ball was secured and driven up field and from the ruck the impressive Luke saw a gap to burst through and score under the posts. Conversion scored: 12-26. Half time.

After a stern talking to, the lads knew they would have to work hard throughout the 2nd half. Royston started well and kicked with the wind to push us back deep into our half.Unable to clear our lines we conceded an early try to give Royston the start they were after. Conversion missed: 17-26 There were big collisions being made from both teams and neither team were taking a step back in defence. With 10 mins to play, quick hands from the backs saw Levani race his way past 2 defenders and out pace the full back to a great solo finish. Converion missed: 17- 31.

The game finished with Royston camped in our 22, they made a clean break out wide and with the winger trying to get under the posts, a magical last ditch tackle from Ciaran saw the attacker smashed over the dead ball area and fail to score. The ref blew his whistle for full time and the lads erupted with joy. A well deserved victory.

A great physical game played by 2 good sides all within the spirit of the game. 

What happens on the pitch stays on the pitch. Well done Town.

 "Great victory" says Coach Adam Amos.