RAMS FULL-BACK: ‘THERE’S A LOT OF COMPETITION FOR PLACES’
TEENAGE full-back George Makepeace-Cubitt is loving life back at Rams as they get set to return to National One action at Bishop’s Stortford on Saturday (3pm).
The former Mini, who progressed through the London Irish Academy before rejoining his childhood club in the summer, grabbed his first two tries in the 52-17 win against Taunton Titans last time out.
It was his sixth first-team appearance since breaking into the side following a shoulder niggle earlier in the campaign, and delighted to have opened his tryscoring account.
He said: “It was brilliant, the boys have been bantering me a little bit about not scoring this season, so it was good to get one and then to get two, fantastic.
“I’m loving being back. You can’t get better than this, you’ve got fans coming down who all know your name, they’re so supportive, you’ve got the Minis coming out before and after the game, it’s a proper family club and it’s great to be playing.”
With Charlie Robson also at the double and Henry Bird crossing on the right wing, the back three chipped in with five tries, but Makepeace-Cubitt admitted there is a battle royale for starting spots with recent National One Try of the Week winner, Zach Clow, the club’s third-highest marksman
Jak Rossiter and Finn Matthews, man-of-the-match on debut against Cinderford last year, also pushing for the shirts.
He continued: “We’ve got people who are so hungry to score and there’s a lot of competition for places, but we work together, so it’s good.”
His side head to Silver Leys having been knocked off top spot after new leaders Chinnor edged out Sedgley Park 38-36 in their rearranged fixture last Saturday, and the Thame men could extend their lead when they host Rosslyn Park under the Friday Night Lights.
Rams currently sit four points back but have responded well from losing at Chinnor in their final game of last year, starting 2024 with victories against Sedgley, Rosslyn Park and Taunton.
Stortford, meanwhile, who have been stalwarts of the league since gaining promotion in 2017 and enjoyed a best-ever sixth-placed finish last term, have endured a five-match losing streak which has seen them slip into the bottom two.