East Leake 1XV, Saturday 26^th January, Home, Won 12-11

Royces returned to league action following last weeks postponed fixture away at Melbourne and welcomed East Leake to Victory Road. With a number of players returning from the skiing trip the team again contained a number of changes to the side that narrowly (and controversially) lost to Nottingham Casuals in the EDF National Vase.

Disappointed by their performance in the reverse fixture on October 28^th Royces were determined to set the record straight and started the game very well playing against the stiff breeze in the first half. A series of phases and quick ruck ball ensuring the first ten minutes were spent inside the East Leake half. To East Leake’s credit their defence withstood the pressure and a solitary McLaughlin penalty meant the score was 3-0 after ten minutes.  Royces exerted further pressure particularly in the scrum where East Leake were continually shoved back on their own ball. Another East Leake infringement lead to another shot at goal which McLaughlin accepted to make the score 6-0. East Leake then enjoyed a period of possession and a series of phases saw them enter the Royces 22 where they registered three points courtesy of a drop goal. Not deterred Royces continued in the same vein and were awarded a penalty just outside the 10 metre line, again McLaughlin converted, not easy given the conditions. 9-3. The half ended with only other point of note, Malcom Lee (who otherwise had an excellent game), covering well round the back gathered a kick through and then looking as comfortable as Dave Poole in a barber shop he attempted to return the kick. He now realises second rows shouldn’t kick the ball, especially ones with the co-ordination of a nerd on school sports day.

The second half started in much the same way the first half had been played. Royces enjoying good possession but mistakes meaning East Leake went unpunished. McLaughlin attempted a further two penalties both of which were unsuccessful. It was however East Leake who were to score the first points of the second half and what proved to be the only try. A series of four missed tackles allowing them to run 50m down the right hand channel and score in the corner, conversion missed 9-8. Royces responded well and maintained possession and territory in the East Leake half but more indiscipline cost good field position. Royces were to score the next points, again a penalty from the boot on McLaughlin, 12-8. East Leake then enjoyed the majority of territory and possession in the final 15 minutes and got back to within a point after further Royces indiscipline for hands in the ruck (which seemed to be the theme of the game) gifted East Leake three points from infront of the posts. The final five minutes saw East Leake try to maul there way over the line, in repelling the last drive Royces were adjudged to have pulled the maul down, however the resultant penalty was reversed for misplacement of a boot allowing Royces to kick the ball out to win the game. A good win for Royces but not in the manner they had hoped, especially given the way they started the game. Up to 5^th in the league, just behind North Derbyshire (nee Rotherham Academy) on points difference and only 4 points off the 2nd promotion spot which is now wide open with East Retford losing at home to Nottinghamians.

Next week the league action continues with the rearranged fixture away at Melbourne.

Team: Paul Hill (8), Duncan Myres (6), Lawrence Betty (7), Jon Turner (5), Edward Barker (7), Paul McLaughlin (8), Dave Poole (8), Iwan Ranft (8), Luke Daigneault (8), Ian Hildebrand (6), Callum. Elliott (5), Malcolm Lee (9), Mike Brown (7), Ben Higgin (6), Andrew Taylor (7). Subs: Alex Gill (8), Adam King, (8) Richard Johnston (8)