Long Eaton 2XV, Saturday 23^rd February, Home, Won 39-5

Royces 2nds welcomed Long Eaton 2nds to Victory Road, with the team containing a good blend of youth and experience.

Royces opted to play the first half against what was a noticeable breeze. In truth this didn’t have much of an influence on the game as Royces put in a good all round team performance built on a solid scrum and totally dominant lineout. The only area of disappointment was support and clearing out at the rucks as Royces were penalised throughout the game when in promising positions for holding on.

Tries came from Shane McNamara, Max Sellars (3), Jon Turner and Andrew Taylor (2) and two successful conversions, the one slotted by Paul Whitehouse being worthy note. From a position where Jon Turner had struggled to reach the try line moments earlier Whitehouse rolled back the years and sent the ball through the middle of the posts.

This feat was almost enough to earn Paul Whitehouse man of the match, but it was awarded to Max Sellars for his hat trick.

Team: Chris Ellans, Matt McCourt, Ed Barker, Jon Turner, Shane McNamara, Max Sellars, Greg Fowler, Chai Uawithya, Adam King, Rich Orme, James Gormley, Andrew Taylor, Marco Maseko, Paul Whitehouse, Alex Gill, Subs: Neil Raistrick, James Tweddle