RAMS RFC will look to beat one of the most famous clubs in the country for the first time when they host Blackheath on Saturday (3pm), writes Richard Ashton.
Seb Reynolds’ men had their National One trip to Birmingham Moseley postponed due to snow in the Midlands last weekend, and subsequently dropped to fifth.
And they will hope to hit their straps against Blackheath, who are nicknamed Club on the back of being founded in 1858 and thus the longest-running ‘Open’ side in the world – the term reflecting the fact it was not limited to old boys of a school or a members-only institution.
Rams have fallen short in their two previous clashes against the Londoners, slipping to a 22-17 reverse away from home back in October, 2019, when a late Louis Ellis penalty at least ensured a losing bonus-point on the back of a penalty try and his conversion of James Baker’s try.
In the reverse fixture at Old Bath Road, Rams were also defeated in a game which severely dented their promotion aspirations, going down 31-18 at the start of February, 2020.
Two Jak Rossiter tries and one from Kieran Leicester, supplemented by a Tom Humberstone penalty, had put the home side 18-17 in front midway through the second period, but two converted tries from Club helped them secure the victory.
Rams go into the contest with seven wins and three defeats to their name this season, and with four home wins from five games, their only slip-up coming against third-placed Sale.
They have narrowly edged out the top two – Rosslyn Park and Cinderford by scores of 24-21 and 22-20 respectively – and experienced prop James Baker has said they now need to replicate those performances more consistently.
The veteran, who has been at the club for more than two decades, played a pivotal role in helping overcome Cinderford, but said: “Coming off a high like two weeks ago, we have to make sure we don’t fizzle out – if we want to try and do something we have to take every game like Cinderford.
“If we take our eye off the ball, Blackheath will beat us – we don’t want to do that, we want to go and get another win.”
Another big crowd is expected at Old Bath Road and fans are asked to pre-purchase tickets through the club website – www.ramsrugby.com – to ensure smooth access to the ground.
