Wests eased to the top of Division One on the back of a ninth win in as many outings, but the Royals competed more strongly than the result might suggest.

The visitors went into a 12-0 interval lead, Liam Copland converting tries by Andy Smith and Dale Barker, and stretched their advantage to 20 points through a Todd Binns touchdown and two more Copland goals, before Methley opened their account with a try for loose forward Stu Biscomb 19 minutes from time, stand-off Lee Starbuck adding the extras.

Alex Brier replied for Wests some three minutes later, the Royals bouncing back on 69 minutes when Starbuck and Stu Biscomb linked for second row Ryan Kelsey to cross.

Methley went close to reducing the deficit still further, only for Copland to pull off an interception that led to a clinching try for Binns, Copland adding his fifth goal.

Scrum-half Kris Ward, in his first outing of the season, impressed, while Brett Gledhill also shone after being drafted in at the eleventh hour.

Gaz Skerrett worked hard at hooker, props Adam Biscomb, Johnny Heaps and Luke Pickering were tireless, and second row Sam Carter was inspirational.

Fullback Ryan Meah picked up the man of the match award, while three-quarters Owen Wilson, Richard Markey, Bob Westmoreland and Kyle Campy all had telling moments.