RAMS RFC set a new club record with an 11th consecutive National One win to start the season as they repelled a late Taunton Titans comeback in claiming a dramatic 27-24 victory at Veritas Park.
The away side made an unbelievable start as straight from the kick-off some slick handling enabled Axel Kalling-Smith to run in from halfway, Tim Townsend’s conversion attempt from out wide just drifting left.
Yet Taunton rallied strongly and aided by a strong wind, began to take control of both possession and territory before they earned a deserved leveller when Charlie Wright dived over at the back of a maul.
Things got worse for Rams shortly after as Ant Marris was sin-binned for an infringement near his own line, and Titans took advantage immediately as Isaac Dalton burrowed over from close range, Jordan Gott with the extras for 12-5.
The hosts continued to control proceedings and arguably could have moved further in front, only for Rams to strike a brilliant counter-attack with the final play of the first half, Ollie Cole’s superb break from a tap penalty and some more good hands setting Michael Dykes free to race home.
Townsend’s conversion ensured it was 12-12 at the break, and the visitors came flying out of the blocks in the second period with a wonderful second from Dykes, the interplay between James McRae and Lucas Brooke in midfield outstanding after Townsend had initiated proceedings with a well-weighted pass.
Yet Taunton, putting in arguably their best performance of the season to date, were undaunted and regained the lead with another close-range try from Dalton which Gott converted for 19-17.
However, Rams regained their composure and with the wind at their backs, began to take control around the hour mark.
And it was a typically bold call from captain Robbie Stapley which saw him turn down three points from in front of the posts to go to the corner, Max Hayman grabbing his ninth try of the campaign at the back of a surging rolling maul.
Things got even better for the away side as an almost identical score quickly afterwards ended with McRae the beneficiary, Townsend’s attempted conversion this time striking the post to leave it 27-19 to Rams.
Again, though, Taunton responded, and they cut the gap to three points as Rams’ discipline began to wane before Sam Knott barged over from a couple of metres out for 27-24 with eight minutes remaining.
However, Rams held firm despite more pressure to make it 11 bonus-point wins from 11 and the players’ names in the record books.
By Richard Ashton
