Crows outgunned against league leaders`

Champions elect London Welsh arrived at the Heath on Saturday in fine form and they continued this with a dominant 64-0 victory. With Royston already two early scores down, second row Jon Brain was red carded for a stamp at a ruck after just ten minutes which ensured a long day ahead for Royston. Brain was responding to the fact that it appeared that a Welsh player was intentionally choking scrum half Adam Smith at the bottom of a ruck, and Smith later confirmed that he nearly passed out shortly afterwards whilst receiving treatment. In no way, shape or form do Royston condone Brain’s actions and he will serve his ban as needed, but with Welsh being such a well drilled and talented team, there is no need for this aspect of their game (after a previous incident in last season's away fixture also), and they can play their way through the leagues without it.

Nonetheless, with inferior numbers Royston toiled hard all game but were continually left short out wide as Welsh kept the ball very well and exploited the space wherever possible. The score was aided by an outstanding kicking display by the Welsh inside centre, who continually landed touchline conversions in gale force winds for most of the afternoon. A late flurry of Royston possession in the Welsh half late in the game almost brought the try their play deserved, but Welsh ran out worthy winners with a clean bill of health for their defence. Royston now look forward to a tough encounter at Datchworth this weekend, before welcoming Kilburn on the first Saturday in March for a crucial league match.