Rams kick off pre-season

REDINGENSIANS RAMS kicked off their pre-season preparations by hosting a rugby festival.

‘Ramfest’ was founded by former head coach Mike Tewkesbury, with six of the south’s leading clubs doing battle in the 15-a-side tournament.

Chinnor emerged victorious, defeating Esher in the final while Rams placed third after seeing off Old Albanians 14-7.

Richmond Saxons and Bracknell rounded off the field.

“This is the second year of running the festival,” explained Rams’ director of player development Tewkesbury.

“The event is a great way to try out new players and combinations before the leagues commence on September 1.

“Chinnor ran out worthy winners by beating Esher (14-7) in a close fought and entertaining final.”

The games allowed head coach Seb Reynolds to see some of his new and young Rams players in action and they kicked off their campaign with a 34-0 thrashing of Bracknell, before being edged out 12-7 by Esher in the group phase.

But they ended on a positive note by winning the third-placed play-off and Reynolds was pleased with the afternoon’s work.

“It was an excellent format for pre-season preparation with quality opposition played in the right spirit,” he said.

“After six weeks of hard preparation, nothing quite beats playing the game and it was nice to see the squad running out for the first time.

“I was especially pleased to see debutants Andrew Denham, James Page, George Bagshaw, Alex Seers, Rhys Tudor, Jon Malivoire and Harry Collison given an opportunity to show why we have brought them into the squad.”

This week Rams visit Wales with two teams to play Bridgend and Bridgend Athletic.

“There is a religious fervour about rugby in Wales,” said Reynolds.

“When you play a Welsh side, they test you at every level.

“If you have weaknesses they will find them, so it’s a great fixture for preseason.”