Royston got off to a flyer at the start of the game scoring in the first 2 minutes. This really had a confident impact on the team and they worked hard in the contact area protecting our ball and seizing the initiative from Braintree. The starters were taking the ball at pace and protecting it very well. This couple with very good handling (only 5 scrums all game of which Royston has 1 handling error) resulted in some flowing rugby. There was good interplay between backs and forwards with some very unselfish play from payers offloading to players in unmarked positions.

The finishers (second half) were encouraged to see how many times the ball could get to the wings and then be recycled back into play. For most of the second half I was stood behind the tryline and some of the running lines were direct, at pace and evasive which was great to see with the fullback joining the line very effectively. As with the starters the handling was good, with offloads being attempted and they were finding supporting players. The second half was more evenly matched as Braintree found strength through their forward play.

From a defensive perspective the team maintained a clean sheet. There were occasions when Braintree were on the Royston try line but resolute defence resulted in turnover ball and we were able to get clear of our line. Although Royston won the Braintree continued to fight to the end which was a fantastic spirit in their team.

Braintree were great hosts and we thank them for their hospitality.

Brett Weimann

Match details

Match date

Sun 15 Oct 2017

Kickoff

11:00

Team overview