Dronfield, Saturday 29^h March, Away, Won 6-22

Royces made the trip up to Dronfield for the penultimate league fixture of the season and their last away from home. Similar to the previous two league weekends there was a stiff breeze, which this week was accompanied by persistent rain. Having lost the toss Royces found themselves playing up hill and against the wind in the first half.

Given the conditions this wasn’t a game to be wearing a shirt with a number higher than 10 and both teams kept the game tight in the opening minutes with Royces rushing up well in defence and harrying the opposition into a series of mistakes. Royces were awarded a penalty inside their own half which was taken quickly resulting in a second penalty for not retreating ten. Again taking the tap the ball was passed out to Lawrence Betty who ran up the right to touch down in the corner, conversion missed, 0-5. The conditions then began to dominate proceedings and using the breeze Dronfield were able to clear their line on a number of occasions. Royces infringed twice just inside their own half giving Dronfield two shots at goal, one was converted, 3-5. With time running out in the first half Royces continued to press hard in defence and Lawrence Betty intercepted to touch down under the posts, conversion successful 3-12.

Royces now had the elements in their favour for the second half and soon established play in Dronfields half. Following persistent pressure and good work in the scrum Malcolm Lee finished off an overlap on the left hand side, conversion missed (off the post) 3-17. For the next twenty minutes it was Dronfield who exerted most the pressure and they were awarded with another successful penalty 6-17. For the final 5 minutes Royces moved play back up the pitch and with the last move of the game Mark Lowe finished off an overlap on the right to touch down, conversion missed, final score 6-22.

A well deserved win for Royces away from home in less than ideal conditions. Next week sees a break in league action with Royces playing either Melbourne or Nottingham Casuals in the NLD Plate on Sunday. KO 12pm at Derby RFC. Please make every effort to be available, either to play or to support. Hopefully we can get some silverware again this season.

Team: Jon Turner (7), Ed Barker (7), Lawrence Betty (8), Mark Lowe (8), Shane McNamara (7), Paul McLaughlin (8), Dave Poole (8), Luke Daigneault (9), Mike Brown (7), Adam King (8), Malcolm Lee (9), Andrew Taylor (8), Ian Baker (8), Dan Sanderson (8), Alex Gill (8). Subs: James Gormley (10), Andrew Blackhurst (8), Callum Elliott (8)