Quintin 16 – 20 Royston

This loss will have hurt. This wasn’t a game that should have been won it was a game that should never have really been in contention.

For 60 minutes Royston offered no attacking threat at all other than the odd rolling maul and few speculative kicks. Quintin on the other hand were full of attacking flair and initially went into a strong lead, with a try added to an earlier penalty from the Sanger. Continued pressure from the pack led to good ball being shipped wide, Sanger ignoring his normal straight lines of running went wide on the outside taking two defenders with him before passing the ball back to Adam who only had to collect and fall over the line.

The rest of the half was an indicator for the result with Quintin either failing to keep the composure when faced with second and thirds phases ball or gave away silly penalties. It was a shame some of the play was the best that had been seen (by the record attendance, thanks to the support from the second team) all season with interplay and passing out of the tackle. The only addition to the score before half time was a penalty apiece.

Royston came out stronger in the second half helped by the wind behind them though Quintin were always the better side with more attacking flair and endeavour. Eventually though the penalty count started to hurt with the Royston kicker putting them up the pitch. They scored a try to bring the game close in controversial circumstances with a quick line out on Q’s 5 metre line, protests that at least three people were already formed the lineout were ignored by the referee.

A further Sanger penalty put Q’s back in the lead, but all the hard work was undone by a last minute try from the Royston prop after some sustained pressure ended up with all the points heading back to Hertfordshire.

Revenge will feel that so much sweeter though, when we make our way up there in the new year!!

Man Of The Match: Graeme.  Outstading play and tackleing from start to finish.

Girl Of the Match: Sanger.  Who in their right mind gives Adam a try scoring pass???