ROYALS RFC desperately needed a win and did so in style with a 0-29 away victory at Newick, in a match that was worth double points.
The East Sussex side were due to travel to Jersey before the new year, but were unable to, making Saturday’s game crucial in the complexion of the Royals season.
Tries from Aiden Dobney, Ben Pearson, Will Hodgson and Fraser George sealed a convincing win, with a brilliant display from returning Henry Frost.
The fly-half converted three of the four tries, while also knocking through a penalty.
“It wasn’t the prettiest game of rugby, it felt like you were running through treacle,” joked Cam Halliwell.
“It’s funny, because we have definitely played better at times this season and not won, but we really ground this out and that’s the main thing.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been in a game where we have completely shut the opponents out points-wise so, defensively, we have to be very proud of our efforts.”
The Islanders travelled with a squad of 21, arguably their strongest contingent of the season and that quality shone through for a “complete performance” according to their No. 8.
Halliwell added: “Sometimes we struggle for numbers and the bench is made up of a fair few that haven’t played much rugby.
“But this trip, it was a really strong squad.
“All of the lads who came off the bench played exceptionally and the standards never dropped when replacements were made.
“Fraser George [flanker] was exceptional, as was Henry Frost at fly, considering he hasn’t played a match in a year or so, to return and play a blinder was impressive.
“But it really was a full team performance. Everyone stepped up in challenging conditions and put a shift in.”
It was Royals’ first taste of victory on-field since November last year and Halliwell felt that decision-making played a key part in their success.
“We had lost so many games that we played well enough to win,” he added.
“That’s frustrating and at times it boiled down to some bad choices in attack and failing to put points on the board.
“But we were very patient against Newick and took care of the ball for the most part, considering it felt like a bar of soap out there.
“Sometimes you can be so desperate to score that you force one pass too many, but, despite the conditions, I felt like our handling and decision-making was very solid.”
Royals face another trip away this Saturday to face East Grinstead, before a home fixture against Shoreham II on 15 February.
Royals RFC [1-15]: Sam Dillon, Jack Lowe, Joao Tomas (c), Josh Twohig-Jones, Connor Bisson-Mercury, JJ le Feuvre, Fraser George, Cam Halliwell, Nathanial Cameron, Henry Frost, Zac Le Marquand, Hugo Reid, Aidan Dobney, Pearse Moloney, Ben Pearson. Replacements: Cam Spencer, Lewis Ham-Howes, Curtis Stanier, Brodie Sutton, Will Hodgson, George Burke
