RAMS LEFT the wintry weather behind them to head south to the Channel Islands to continue their surge towards the league title.
Many National 2 South matches were called off due to snow and ice, but Guernsey offered the perfect rugby playing conditions and Rams took full advantage, running in nine tries to clinch a 17th straight victory.
As if the task was not tough enough for the Islanders, their side was depleted by injury and they fell behind after just two minutes when Jamie Guttridge crossed the whitewash for the first of his two tries.
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The bonus point was secured by half-time before five more tries were added after the restart with Conor Corrigan (2), Greg Illingworth, Joe Duffelen, Craig Nightingale, Ben Henderson and Ross Crame all joining Guttridge on the score-sheet.
Guernsey got their only try just past the hour mark when prop Layton Baptiste crossed, but the day belonged to Rams as they racked up a season-high 59 points.
“Anyone who thinks we are a certainty for promotion just doesn’t understand this level,” said Rams head coach Seb Reynolds, despite his side sitting 16 points clear.
“What people have to understand is that we were very, very good against Guernsey and showed that we have a strong handling game to back-up an excellent set-piece.
“But Guernsey were not at full strength, so you have to take that into consideration.
“Next week we visit Tonbridge Juddians, who are having a great season and have delivered some brilliant results.
“They are chasing promotion too, so it’s another tough encounter and if we drop our standards, we will lose. It really is as simple as that.”
Rams kick-off at 2:30pm on Saturday against third-placed Tonbridge.
RAMS: Duffelen, Rossiter, Jones, A. Humberstone, Corrigan, Seers, Illingworth, Steadman, Henderson, Baker, Taylor, Thomson, Crame, Vooght, Guttridge.
Reps: Drew, McDonnell-Roberts, Nightingale, T. Humberstone, Lloyd.
