RAMS RUN RIOT IN EIGHT TRY WIN
RAMS boss Seb Reynolds hailed his electric backline after they chipped in with seven of the eight tries in a superb 52-17 home win against Taunton Titans.
It was only the sixth time the hosts have reached a half-century in National One, but came after they fell 7-0 down to a converted Ollie Burrows try before they had even left their half.
An immediate response came with scores from Henry Bird, Ollie Monye and George Make peaceCubitt before a Louis Sinclair penalty cut the deficit to 19-10 at the break.
Charlie Robson sealed the bonus-point before Taunton hit back through Ben Oliphant-Thompson, but Rams ran riot in the final 12 minutes, former Mini Makepeace-Cubitt collecting his second for the club before Dan Swain – against his former side – Robson and Ollie Cole completed a spell-binding passage of play.
“I thought the intent to play and the skill levels were great, and I’m glad we could give our fantastic supporters some tries,” said Reynolds.
“The backline was electric – they looked a constant threat – but we’ve got lads snapping at their heels and they’ll have to stay on it.
“It’s about continuing to work hard for the group and putting in performances for the club.
“We’re very lucky to have a fantastic bunch of boys who all want to improve and support each other, and that’s what it’s all about.”
He continued: “I’m very pleased with the result. Taunton are a good side who play some great rugby when they move the ball wide, but we did a good job of shutting them down – our defensive display was very good.
“We worked on our fold during the week, and we did it well, so that was good and gave us the foundation which along with our set-piece and field position allowed us the opportunity to get our attacking game going.
“There was a moment (at 26-17) where in previous matches we’ve invited the opposition back into the contest, either by not exiting properly or switching off a bit, but we didn’t do that, took back control and finished very strongly.”
With young guns Make peaceCubitt and man-of-the-match Robson both at the double, and Bird making it five tries from the back three, the DoR was quick to pay tribute to those inside them.
He continued: “One of the reasons we got the youngsters on the ball out wide was because we’ve got outstanding, experienced players in Fraser and Drew (Humberstone) inside them.
“Axel was a constant threat with the ball, but complimented with a very good defensive display – his chop tackling was excellent and I can see him closing up the line, which is something we’ve been working on for a while.”
“I thought Robbie (Stapley) had a very good game, particularly with his carrying, beating defenders and he captained well.
“I also want to mention (replacement prop) Ryan Lomas, who was superb. He’s had to be very patient – similar to Mike Hoyt – to make an impact on the side, but boy did he do that when he came on.”