Old Streetonians stayed top of Herts Middlesex One with a 29-10 victory over Royston and took another step towards promotion.

Hackney Gazette: Old Streetonians stayed top of the Herts Middlesex One table after a 29-10 win over RoystonOld Streetonians stayed top of the Herts Middlesex One table after a 29-10 win over Royston (Image: Archant)

Notorious for their tough rugby and noisy fans, Old Street knew they had a long 80 minutes ahead of them in the Hertfordshire countryside.

But despite the surroundings being anything like their London home, Old Street had a strong team out.

After a long journey, Harry Marson squared up to Royston’s captain for the coin toss. But the physics teacher clearly hadn’t factored the variables and Royston won the toss, electing to kick into the wind.

Old Street started strongly using the conditions to play all the rugby in Royston’s half.

Hackney Gazette: Old Streetonians stayed top of the Herts Middlesex One table after a 29-10 win over RoystonOld Streetonians stayed top of the Herts Middlesex One table after a 29-10 win over Royston (Image: Archant)

Despite the hosts having one of the biggest packs in the league, Old Street dominated up front in mauls and line-outs. and within 10 minutes, a maul which travelled 15 metres from a line-out saw Will Gilgrass score his signature try. Eoin Fitzpatrick calmly slotted the conversion.

Sustained pressure saw Fitzpatrick add a further three to the score before Royston cancelled that out with a successful kick of their own.

Much had been talked about the Royston pack in the lead up to the game and the team selection had seen Street fill their bench with forward replacements int hehope of keeping their pack fresh.

It worked well with the visitors continuing to make a mockery of Royston’s line-out and maul, and they added a second try, this time from a scrum. Cal Lynn’s clever grubber kick was gobbled up by winger Josh Parry.

Facing a strong wind in the second half, Old Street had to change tactics, halting their kicking game and keeping ball in hand.

And after a slow start they scored again, Fitzpatrick getting the glory after throwing a dummy pass.

He converted his own try to put Old Street 22-3 ahead.

After sustained pressure Royston finally scored their first try as they sucked Old Street in following a number of phases, to create an overlap out wide.

Opportunities did come as the game reached the final quarter and eventually the Onions got their fourth try and a bonus point.

A huge kick from Fitzpatrick allowed the forwards to keep hold of the ball and after some strong defence, the ball was shipped out wide for Parry to get his second which Fitzpatrick converted.

Old Streetonians face Barnet Elizabethans at home on Saturday.