SEB REYNOLDS praised his side’s “grit and determination” as they survived a scare to edge past Clifton 26-19 and take their winning run to 10 matches.
Rams led 19-0 at Old Bath Road thanks to early tries from Ben Henderson, Louis Wolf and Jack Steadman, but they let their visitors back into the contest, with the game level shortly after half-time.
However, James Baker also crossed the whitewash after the restart as the hosts ground out victory to go 10 points clear at the top of the table.
“This game was an example of what happens if you drop your level at any point in this league because National 2 South is an attritional league with quality players,” said head coach Reynolds.
“Clifton showed us how good they are and why they’ve had two wins in a row and they almost made that three.
“We were really dominant early on and got three tries and I think one more probably would’ve opened up the door for more points, but that didn’t happen and we let a very dangerous side back into the game and you just can’t do that at this level.
“However, in fairness to the lads, we showed good grit and determination against a team that became very confident towards the end of the game.”
Rams flew out of the traps, making a blistering start with three early tries with the pick of the bunch coming from Wolf as he stormed down the wing to score in the corner.
Free-scoring Henderson and Steadman went over either side of the Wolf score with Alex Seers kicking over two of the conversions to give the home side a healthy lead.
But Clifton rallied, dominating the remaining 25 minutes of the half and scoring two tries with Rams fortunate to go in at half-time still leading 19-12.
And the Bristol-based side continued where they left off after the restart, equalising on 45 minutes when Mitch Spencer scored his second try of the afternoon and Tom Francis converted.
Looking in real danger of suffering a first defeat since September, Rams responded to go back in front and piled on the pressure before eventually forcing their way over the line through Baker.
Both sides went close to adding to their tally during the final 20 minutes, but Rams held firm to take victory and move further clear of the chasing pack.
Rams go to struggling Birmingham and Solihull on Saturday (2.30pm).
RAMS: Duffelen, Rossiter, Bryant, Humberstone, Corrigan, Seers, Lloyd, Steadman, Henderson, McDonnell-Roberts, Etete, Guttridge, Wolf, Vooght, Crame.
Reps: Drew, Baker, Nightingale, Jones, Illingworth.
