RAMS Titans scored six tries in an entertaining 34-22 victory against the RAF under the Old Bath Road floodlights last Wednesday.
On a bitterly cold evening it was the away side who served notice of their counter-attacking capabilities, a brisk break down the right eventually finished off by one-time RAM Sam Randle.
Titans responded well, however, and a wonderful individual try from fly-half Tim Townsend helped level matters, the South African collecting his own chip ahead and running in from the 22 before he was narrowly off target with the conversion attempt.
Some further magic from Townsend nearly set-up a quick-fire second, another break ending with a sumptuous out-the-back pass which AJ Peplinski was just unable to snaffle with the line begging.
However, Titans won a penalty from the resulting scrum and with further set-piece dominance, they eventually shipped the ball wide left for Miki Vancura to dot down.
The hosts were becoming increasingly dominant and could have had a third when a bulldozing Spencer Hayhow charge took Titans into the 22 before some fabulous handling from Mike Hoyt got the ball to Peplinski, only for the wing to be stopped just short.
However, the RAF were trapped in their own quarters and after they cleared to touch, hooker Ollie Moffitt rode over at the back of a rolling maul.
The conversion effort struck the post, and against the run of play the visitors then scored two quick-fire tries to take the lead.
Firstly some nice handling allowed Reece Beddows to cross on the left, and then immediately from the kick off, Kieran Prescott seized a ball booted ahead to dive over for Mark Williams to add the extras for 17-15.
Titans, though, deservedly hit back to lead at the break, a startling break from prop Terrel Harry taking him towards the line before he unselfishly freed Ollie Monye to dive over.
Townsend slotted the kick for a 22-17 half-time lead, and the hosts claimed first blood in the second period as Moffitt doubled his tally, again from a surging forwards drive.
Yet the RAF defended well and scored another excellent long-range team try, Prescott the beneficiary as he went over next to the posts.
The conversion attempt was surprisingly unsuccessful leaving Titans seven points to the good, and despite a couple of nervy moments, they had the final word as replacement prop Paddy Harris completed the scoring as he peeled off the back of a maul before burrowing over from close range.
Titans are due to return to HALBRO Raging Bull Shield Division One action at home to Chinnor Falcons on Saturday.
By Richard Ashton
