ATTACK coach Harry Stapleton lauded Rams Development XV’s character following their 54-0 floodlit success against The Army Under 23s.
Morgan MacRae’s 24-minute hat-trick and an Oli Rhoads effort, added to by a trio of James Gilman conversions, had the hosts 26-0 up at the break despite having to defend manfully early on.
Joe Pannese extended the lead before the hosts were reduced to 13 men – Barney Thomas and Liam Bishop both sin-binned in quick succession – but Rams held out under heavy pressure before passing their half-century following a brilliant Rhoads second and further tries from Jack Rampton and Harry Bicknell, skipper Andrew Lamb landing three fine conversions.
Reflecting on a fine win, Stapleton started: “I’ve coached against them twice with Berkshire Under 20s and last year they pumped us, it was a close game the year before and they also won, so we knew they’d be pretty handy.
“Scoring 54 was great, but to nil them was extremely impressive and credit to (Defence coach) Danny (Batty) and the guys, because the Army did have their moments and especially when we were down to 13 men, to hold them out was a top effort.
“We pride ourselves on defence and you only have to look at the number of points the first team have conceded (the lowest in National One), throughout the whole squad we’ve got great characters with a never-say-die attitude.”
There were plenty of eye-catching displays as players look to force their way into National One contention, hat-trick man MacRae on top form with his treble.
And Stapleton continued: “Morgan’s got the pace of a centre, he’s also very skilful and physical and a good all-round player – he deserved the hat-trick.
“Oli Rhoads is a serious player and to think he’s been at Level Six, he’s got better and better in the past month or so, and Andrew Lamb captained the team and did a great job at 15 and then at fly-half.
“But credit to the whole back-line, I thought Joe and Jack keep improving, we know Alex Mannhardt has wheels and when he gets space he takes it.
“Ollie Hodgson was exceptional and the other guys and the ones who came on also performed well, so it was a good night.”
Rams 1st XV return to National One action tomorrow (Saturday, 3pm) with a home game against Sedgley Park.
