After securing league survival the previous week with a five point win over Kilburn, the Crows returned to league action with a tough away trip to Tabard. After losing the home fixture earlier in the season due to a very slow start, Royston were keen to get going from the off.
However, Tabard dominated the early exchanges and were 10-0 up with two tries within the first twenty minutes, their kicker having an off day that would prove crucial later on. Undeterred, the Crows finally managed to get a foothold in the game with a penalty from Will Dacey, before excellent team play led to a try for winger Dan Ritsema, conversion missed but Royston now within two points approaching half time. Unfortunately, Tabard had the last say before halftime, turning over ball close to the Royston line for a further unconverted try, 15-8 the score at oranges.
Quickly after halftime, the Crows were level. An excellent run from prop Callum McDermott was finished off by prolific second row Max Finney, Dacey slotting the extras. Tabard were next on the scoreboard with another try, finallyc onverted by Tabard to take the lead once more at 22-15. It was from here that the Crows kicked into overdrive. Another excellent break from McDermott was finished off by none other than club stalwart Jamie Green, before Finney went over once more, Dacey adding the extra points each time such that Royston led 29-22 with about ten to play. Tabard hit back once more to tie the scores at 29 all, before Royston thought they had won it with a try from young centre Euan Rees with just few minutes left to play. Unfortunately, Dacey was unable to add the two points, and Tabard managed to score with the very last play of the game. With the conversion to win it, Tabard missed once more, which to be honest, was a fair result with both teams playing some excellent rugby. 34-34 the final score.