‘We’ll focus on the positives’
Henley Hawks 28 Redingensians Rams 24
NEW RAMS head coach Seb Reynolds is keen to focus on the positives after a losing out to Henley Hawks in a classic game of two halves.
Redingensians got off to a flying start, leading 24-10 at the break, but Henley completely turned the tables after the restart to win 28-24 and hand Reynolds a losing start in National League 2 South.
“The first half was a dream start for us with a lot of things that we have worked on going right,” said ex-Forest School student Reynolds.
“We made some glaring errors in the second half and the players and coaches know what they are.
“We need to fix them, build on all the things we did well and progress.”
Hawks did in fact take an early lead when Dave Hyde scored under the posts, but Rams quickly levelled as Jak Rossiter burst clear with new fly-half Tom Humberstone adding the extras.
Humberstone added three more from the tee and the lead was extended on 16 minutes when Steve Bryant finished off the best move of the match to bag his side’s second try .
A successful scrum five-metres from the line just before half-time saw the advantage move to 14 points as a result of a penalty try.
The Hawks turnaround in the second half was led by fine kicking from Connor Murphy, including a 77th minute penalty to clinch the 28-24 victory, although Rams did at least take a losing bonus point.
Rams chairman, Andy Lynch, said: “It’s not what we wanted, but it’s the first time we have got a point on the opening day of the season in National 2.”
Rams entertain London Irish Wild Geese at Old Bath Road, Sonning on Saturday (2.30pm).
RAMS: Duffelen, Rossiter, Bryant, Souter, Sunley, Humberstone; Illingworth, Steadman, Henderson, Berry, Taylor, Thompson, Morrison, Vooght, Stapley. Reps: Amor, Baker, Cole, Ellaboudy, O’Meara.