RAMS RFC Colts secured the OBB Division One title in style with a fabulous 68-7 home win against Newbury.
The unbeaten champions made a dream start to a perfect eighth league victory from eight, moving the ball well before wing Callum du Preez crossed on the right.
A tricky conversion was superbly added by Matt Cox, and he repeated the trick after No. 8 Cian Tappan’s excellent off-load set-up Cameron Oakley to touch down.
Another powerful ball-carrying back row, Jack Mander, was the architect of the third try, rampaging forward before sending Matt Hill across the whitewash.
Cox landed another kick, but Newbury continued to battle hard and got on the scoreboard with the final play of the opening half, a couple of strong carries gaining them field position before a close-range snipe was added to for 21-7.
Rams began the second half as they had the first, wrapping up the try bonus-point as outstanding centre Patrick Brown – impressive in both attack and defence – dotted down for a converted score.
The hosts then moved further in front through Mander, the flanker smashing his way through a couple of would-be tacklers before diving over for a well-deserved score.
Rams were now clicking into top gear, and they had full control as Theo Pett-Ridge glided under the posts after his side’s forwards had won a scrum against the head on the Newbury 22.
With Cox making it a super six from six kicks the score was 42-7, and he continued his perfect record after replacement scrum-half Louis Roumignac spotted a gap from close range.
The try of the day – and quite possibly the season – arrived shortly afterwards, Luke Thorpe starting it from inside his own dead-ball line before beating a couple of men and escaping the 22.
From there the ball went through plenty of hands, forwards and backs alike showing their quality, with Finlay Wells finishing off a stunning 40 seconds of rugby by going over on the left for a try somewhat reminiscent of Stevie Bryant’s sensational team score against Henley six years ago.
Cox slotted another conversion before adding a try and kick to a 23-point haul, Wells this time the provider, before du Preez doubled his tally with what would be his final touch in junior rugby, full-time called after Thorpe’s touchline attempt missed the target.
National One runners-up Rams finish their campaign at Birmingham Moseley on Saturday (3pm).
By Richard Ashton
