RAMS’ Returning Students put in a gutsy display during a 19-10 home defeat to Chinnor.
On a glorious evening at Old Bath Road, it was the away side who took an early lead, exploiting the short side for speedy wing Tom Wilson to race down the left from halfway.
He touched down under the posts for a try added to by Ed Bailey, and it was Chinnor who continued to dominate both possession and territory during the opening half-hour.
However, resolute Rams refused to yield and three goal-line turnover penalties helped them keep their heads above water.
Indeed, they started to show more attacking intent as the half came to a close, Tom David’s ambitious long-range drop-goal attempt drifting wide.
As the lights began to take effect at the start of the second period, it was Rams who sparked into life, picking up their first points as a sublime Ant Jessett pass sent Alfie Jeanes over in Clubhouse Corner.
David’s conversion shot drifted left of the uprights, and Chinnor extended their advantage at the end of the third quarter.
Again their opponents were forced to defend phase after phase, and eventually the pressure told as replacement JJ Cundy blasted over from close range.
Rams were close to replying as David grabbed hold of an overthrown line-out before being held up across the whitewash, Chinnor then reduced to 14 following a yellow card for a high tackle.
Yet it was the Thame men who struck the fatal blow with around eight minutes remaining, hooker Ryan Bayliss making a brilliant read to snatch an interception and race away for a converted score from 60 metres out.
Rams continued to battle and were again held up, but they gained a deserved second try with the final play of the contest, Colt Dan Sawyer riding a powerful maul over the line.
Rams first XV, who had a week off, end their National One season at Darlington Mowden Park on Saturday (3pm).
By Richard Ashton
