With another early start for the Royals RFC squad, buoyed by first Sussex league victory against East Grinstead, there was a sense of expectation for what could be achieved with their next game against an Uckfield side who had been playing regularly over the summer.
Royals got off to a quick start, with captain Cameron Queree barging over from close range to open the scoring. The visiting side continued to push hard from the kick-off, creating space which eventually paid off with Queree going over for his second of the afternoon. Winger, Hector Chamberlain, finished off a try on debut which started with a powerful run from 2nd row Richard Nunn, for his first of many for the afternoon.
It proved to be a first half hattrick for Chamberlain, showing good pace and power to finish flowing rugby from the visitors. Joao Tomas barged over from close range following a Royals maul close to the Uckfield line. Christian Weald completed the scoring for the visitors, going over from a pick and go following good phase play from Royals. 4 conversions from Richie Stevens meant the away side held a commanding 43-0 lead at the break.
Royals rang the changes at half time, making the most of their 5 substitutes to give the squad fresh legs and a new lease of life, however Uckfield did the same and their new additions were keen to make a point. The hosts applied some early pressure on a Royals team caught on the back foot, eventually capitalising with a charged down kick to get the first score of the half. Royals needed to respond and managed to wrestle the initiative back. Second half scores from Chamberlain, Tomas, Queree and another debut try, this time from scrum-half David Quinn extended Royals’ lead in the second half. 3 further conversions gave a full-time score of 7-69.
The victory means Royals have a secured the maximum possible points from their opening 2 games of the season, as they look to top their seeding group from the opening 5 fixtures.