Rams bounce back as they lead Wild Geese chase
Redingensians Rams 44 London Irish Wild Geese 16
REDINGENSIANS ran in six tries to bounce straight back from the disappointing collapse at Henley on the opening day.
The Rams were 24-10 ahead last weekend, only to lose 28-24.
But it was a fine second half display this time around which clinched a convincing win over London Irish Wild Geese.
A penalty try set the hosts on their way and Andy Berry crossed just before the break.
Irish pulled the score back to 1513 during the second period, but a swashbuckling late display yielded another penalty try as well as scores from Tom Vooght and Greg Illingworth before the try of the game late on from Joe Duffelen in the 44-16 success.
It was a dominant forward display which proved too much for the Wild Geese attack. Despite fly-half Peter Hodgkinson kicking over all 16 of his side’s points, the visitors were overwhelmed by a powerful Rams pack.
And new forward coach Owen Root was pleased with what he saw.
“We knew that our eight are capable of this type of performance,” he said.
“It was fantastic to see the guys bounce back from a disappointing second half at Henley last week.”
Next up for Redingensians is a trip to unbeaten Worthing Raiders on Saturday.
“We managed to do the double against them last year,” recalled director of rugby Gary Reynolds.
“But they have got off to a great start to put themselves at the top of the table so we know this will be a very tough fixture.
“But our new coaching team have done a great job pre-season and the players have responded well and put on a terrific show for the home crowd on Saturday.
“There is a long way to go and National II is a hard league with some great teams in it.
“However, I think our boys have shown that they can be very competitive at this level.”
REDINGENSIANS: Foxley, Rossiter, Bryant, Souter, Sunley, Humberstone, Illingworth, Steadman, Henderson, Berry, Taylor, Thompson, Ellaboudy, Vooght, Stapley.
Reps: Drew, Baker, Morrison, Duffelen, Cole.
n CROWTHORNE had been due to kick off their Berks, Bucks and Oxon Premier campaign against Tadley, but had to forfeit the game as they were unable to raise a side.