Caldy try king Royle’s in a league of his own
WINGER Nick Royle last week achieved the unprecedented feat of scoring 300 National League tries as his Caldy side lead the chase for the National One title.
Royle scored his 300th try in the 36-10 win over Tonbridge Juddians, achieving the remarkable mark in just 369 games. No other current player is on more than 200.
However, the free-scoring winger was unaware of the records he had broken and found out only a few weeeks ago how many he had actually scored.
Royle told The Rugby Paper: “I don’t actually count my tries, it’s only through the old boys at the club that I found out.
“I know I scored a lot of tries but I usually just take it year by year and it’s only when the boys kicked up a big fuss that I was near 300, that it was brought to my attention. I just love playing rugby, which is why I’m playing at 38. Scoring tries is all part of the fun.”
Royle, who has scored eight tries this season, added: “I used to be really quick, but I rely on my feet more these days to beat defenders. I’ve played in some really good teams which helps, and I just love finishing tries. All the lads know me for a chip and chase. I usually score one every other game, so that’s my trademark move the ‘Royle chip chase’.”
Royle’s performance for Caldy against Sale FC on the final day in 2017, when he grabbed a brace, stands out in his mind more than any other performance.
He said: “One of the biggest occasions was playing for Caldy against Sale FC to go up to National One. I got two tries in that game and there was a hell of a lot of people at the ground. I think we were 21-6 down at halftime and we came back and won 28-26.
“I got two tries in the second half that weren’t great tries, but it was the fact that it was a big occasion and game for the club.”
The former Manchester, Fylde and England 7s flyer has loved his time at Caldy and believes the spirit in the squad is second to one.
Royle said: “I’ve played at some great clubs with some great lads, but I think I’ve saved the best until last. There’s no clicks at the clubs. We don’t have any world beaters, but everyone puts their neck on the line for each other, it’s like playing with a group of mates which carries us a long way.”
With just six games to play, Caldy are currently top of National One but face stiff competition from Rosslyn Park and Sale FC, with the former just two points behind and with a game in hand on the table toppers.
Despite the competitive run in, Royle believes his side has what it takes to win the division.
He said: “Out of the remaining teams we have to play, it’s only Rosslyn Park that have beaten us but with the way the league is at the minute anyone could beat anyone. It goes to the 80th minute every week, so the next few weeks could go any way and it could go to the final day.
“The lads deserve promotion, everyone’s dug in this year. There’s been no expectation, we’ve gone out there and expressed ourselves by playing rugby.”