Keyte enjoys a memorable debut as Royals rout Bulldogs

Leamington Royals racked up an emphatic 88-0 win over long-time rivals Birmingham Bulldogs on Saturday.
Connor KeyteConnor Keyte
Connor Keyte

Bulldogs were forced to kick off with 12 players with another two held up in traffic and arriving after kick-off.

Despite the scoreline they battled to the end and camped on Leamington’s line on more than one occasion.

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Making his debut for the Royals was Connor Keyte, who is the first player to come through the ranks at Leamington having turned out for the junior Royals.

In beautiful conditions, Leamington received the kick-off and after great initial work by prop Ash Mir, Andy Morrison crashed through the defence for the first of his four tries for the day.

This was closely followed by Mir scoring the first of his two tries for the club soon after.

This was the story of the game as, despite Birmingham’s best efforts, Leamington constantly broke through the Bulldogs defence and kept the scoreboard ticking over.

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Debutant Keyte also got onto the scoresheet for his first-ever senior try after strong running by full-back Andy Morgan.

Other tryscorers were with two apiece were Paul Salvin, captain Steve Alford and Matt Cooper, with a single score for Will Cox.

Tom Hyam contributed with a near flawless kicking display with 26 points.

The final try of the day was a spectacular catch from prop Ben Nuttall under the posts as he chased an after and up and under kick, outjumping his marker.

Keyte completed the scoring with the final kick of the game.

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