Royston Rugby Club’s 1st XV secured the Counties 3 Herts/Middx league title in emphatic fashion on Saturday with a resounding 117–21 victory over Finsbury Park at The Heath. In a remarkable performance, Royston ran in a flood of tries – including four by full back Max Ramsden and a hat-trick by wing Conall Graham – to cap off their league campaign with a bonus-point win. The triumph confirms Royston as league champions, a milestone title for the club and one that sent the home supporters into raptures at the final whistle.

Royston exploded out of the gates with a flurry of tries in the opening quarter. A trademark carry from Dan Rabbetts through the heart of the defence set the platform, with Jon Brain making a strong break before offloading to Max Ramsden to touch down and convert his own score. Moments later, Conall Graham finished off a sweeping team move in the corner, with Ramsden nailing the touchline conversion.

Ramsden struck again shortly after, picking up a loose ball and accelerating away from the chasing defence for his second try. With Max and Adam Smith sharing kicking duties, Royston surged to a 21–0 lead. However, Finsbury Park responded well, running in a slick move under the posts and adding two more tries in quick succession to close the gap to 21–14. Their fightback showed resilience and competitive spirit, pushing Royston to regroup.

But the Crows soon regained control. Alex Howorth finished off a lovely phase of play to stretch the lead, followed by a third for Graham, and then further tries from Freddie Bulman and Ramsden again before the break, with conversions keeping the scoreboard ticking. At half-time, Royston had re-established a dominant lead.

The second half was all Royston. Euan Davies gathered his own clever kick to score under the sticks, before Matthew Muirhead powered over from close range. Ben Ritsema then lit up the field with a try from halfway and another after chasing down a long kick, with Adam Smith calmly converting.
Brad Emanuel added his name to the scoresheet after a break by Ritsema, and Dan Ritsema followed with a well-earned try of his own. Conall Graham completed his hat trick, with Ramsden grabbing his fourth soon after. The final try came from Ben Ritsema, his third of the afternoon, before Will Cottrell stepped up to slot the final conversion and round off the day: 117–21.

It was a ruthless display from Royston but also one that highlighted their depth, balance, and relentless team cohesion — with 13 different try-scorers and a near-perfect day from the tee.

This victory was the culmination of a season built on solid foundations. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jamie Green, Royston focused on a few key principles: improving player availability, building a strong and inclusive club culture, and playing an exciting, free flowing brand of rugby.

The approach paid dividends. With better training attendance, and a culture of enjoyment, the team built momentum week by week. Veterans and new faces alike have stepped up throughout the season, making this title win a genuine squad-wide achievement.
Royston have consistently blended physicality up front with speed and creativity out wide — and Saturday’s performance was a perfect summary of that identity.

While the league title is now secured, Royston’s season is far from over. The team now prepares for a series of high-stakes cup fixtures:
• Thursday 17 April – Hertfordshire President’s Trophy Final v Chess Valley at Old Albanians RFC
• Saturday 19 April – Cambridgeshire Junior Cup Semi-Final (away vs. March RFC)
• Saturday 26 April – Papa John’s Community Cup Quarter-Final (home vs. Barton-under-Needwood RFC)
• Saturday 26 April – Cambridgeshire Junior Cup Final, should they progress

Royston Rugby Club would love to see as many supporters as possible at these upcoming matches. Whether home or away, your presence makes a huge difference. Follow us on social media for fixture details, updates, and ways to get involved.
Let’s keep the momentum going and back the boys as they push for even more success in what’s already a season to remember!
We always welcome new members across our senior men, minis, juniors, girls and touch teams.

Photos courtesy of Russ Suter