Verulamians battled to a 27-17 win at Royston in Herts Middlesex One on Saturday.

This turned out to be yet another game where forward domination in both the set and open play produced a sparkling game with the visitors taking a 20-7 lead at the break.

Fly-half Tom Maile slotted a penalty over after just five minutes, which was followed by enterprising back play, with Ben Russell running over from 40m out near the posts.

But Royston responded to bring the score back to 8-7.

Sam Townsend went over to score for Vees and another try from Gareth Waters stretched the half-time lead to 13 points.

The hosts reduced the deficit in the second half. But resilient tackling helped Vees gain the ascendancy in the last ten minutes and Mike Ainsworth scored the bonus-point fourth try.

Vees host Old Streetonians on Saturday.