MAN-OF-THE-MATCH Willo Bicknell admitted his try-scoring home debut was ‘very good fun’ after Rams recorded their highest-ever National One tally in a 73-24 victory against Dings Crusaders.
The Zambian summer signing, who joined from Oxford Harlequins, has made a big impact in the opening two league games of the season having stepped up from the division below.
And the former Oxford Brookes University captain and President was delighted to play his part as Rams made it two wins from two at the start of the campaign.
The No. 8 explained: “It was very good fun, a great atmosphere and the pitch was outstanding – thanks to the guys who worked so hard in the off-season to have it in such good nick.
“To play in front of the home crowd for the first time, I really enjoyed it. It’s so good to have this kind of support and I’m looking forward to the next one already.
“It was nice to get a try in a high-scoring game, and equally to get off the mark.”
Things had started poorly for the hosts as a Harry Rowson try put their opponents in front, Rams replying through forward-turned-inside-centre Morgan MacRae and back row Ben Atkins, Mike Cooke with a conversion for 12-5.
Jeffrey Young’s seven-pointer levelled matters from a maul, but a brace of Axel Kalling-Smith scores, both added to by Cooke, had the home side 14 points clear at the interval.
And they then went ballistic with four converted tries in just six minutes after the break, Harry Stone, Charlie Robson – back for a third spell with the club – Zach Clow and captain Max Hayman the players to dot down.
Jamie Elswood was on target after Will Thompson went over for Dings, but Cooke continued his sublime form from the tee after MacRae doubled up and Bicknell claimed his first for the Berkshire men.
Sol O’Brien-Taufa secured a try bonus for the visitors, but Rams had the final word as replacement Louis Pereira, on debut, scored with the final play.
With the marauding Bicknell outstanding throughout, he humbly paid tribute, however, to back row colleagues Atkins and Mikey Duda while also highlighting the quality on show among the three-quarters.
He beamed: “I feed off those two – they work very hard, are great boys and I benefit from the stuff they do. I can’t fault them.
“Cookie marshalled round the pitch, he was great from the tee as well and any time we did put ourselves under pressure, he dug us out of it – credit to him.
“And then we’ve got some serious pace out wide along with great players across the board – it’s just nice to be a part of.”
Rams visit Sale FC on Saturday (2.30pm).
