Special day for Woodward as Rams take win

Away from the nuts and bolts of a third emphatic Rams’ win in Hardham Cup play, Saturday at Maidstone Park was pretty much Aidan Woodward’s day.

In recognition of his 50th premier game, Woodward led the Rams out onto the field ahead of his side’s 38-5 dismantling of Paremata Plimmerton.

A typically hard working 80 minutes later, Woodward capped off the day with a conversion of Kahu Bishop-Waiwai’s final play try.

From in front of the posts the natural left-footer was just thankful to nail it.

‘‘I heard one of the guys say ‘‘‘Man, I hope he shanks it’, so yeah.’’

‘‘That was a gift for my 50th,’’ the 23-year-old said.

A huge club man, Woodward’s special day will have more resonance in a few weeks when he heads to Scotland to link up with Watsonians, the Edinburgh-based club.

The move follows Woodward’s steady evolution into a top class forward and one who today, at 109kg, is big enough to handle the demands of the modern forwards’ game.

Woodward made his debut for the premiers in 2013, his first year out of St Pat’s Silverstream and in the last three seasons has matured into a first-choice and influential member of the Rams.

A lineout specialist, at 191cm Woodward has always been tall enough.

Now, with his weight up to an all time high of 109kg he appeals as an all-round tight-fiver who with his work attitude and ball skills will impress his new management.

‘‘I’ve put the weight on for sure and that’s definitely been a factor in my game, especially with running with the ball,’’ he said.

Woodward has a one-year contract with Watsonians in the National League Division 1, ‘‘the highest non-professional grade in Scotland.’’

He also has a five-year ancestry visa and intends to stay overseas for most, if not all, of those seasons.

‘‘To make travelling and rugby work together has alway been my focus,’’ the Fairfax Media account executive said.

‘‘So with my going soon it was good to get the 50 games, that’s definitely my highest achievement

’’And when I’m older or when I come back I’d like to get to the hundred,’’ he said.