JAMES Baker has admitted not many people would have predicted Rams would have reached National One when he began his career in Southern Counties South back in the 2004/05 season!

The tighthead prop is the longest-standing member of the Senior squad and has enjoyed a sensational career which has taken in four promotions.

And reminiscing on his time at Old Bath Road, he began: “It’s been a whirlwind – I’ve been lucky to be here for some of the best times the club has had with all the promotions.

“We’ve had some great victories, some bitter losses, and it’s been great being with the team through all of it.

“Back at the start we had quite a young side with potential, but who would have thought all these years later we’d get to National One.

“A lot of the boys from back when we were in Southern Counties aren’t playing any more – I was the youngest then and now I’m the oldest so I’m very proud of that. I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

Looking back, James said there has been an evolution in training methods, and is amazed at the club’s off-field progress as well.

He continued: “I believe the training was actually harder at the start – there wasn’t the same understanding there is now.

“Back then everyone thought ‘beast them and they’ll get better’, but now it’s a bit more technical and specific to positions, and that actually helps more than just beasting everyone every week – you’re fresher for the games.

“It’s also hard to believe with the clubhouse and facilities we have now, what it used to be like – it used to be a shack!

“A lot of teams who’d visit complained about how bad the facilities were, how bad the showers were, but it’s 100 per cent better now – it’s great.”

James was also quick to point out the on-field continuity at the club, with special praise for the skipper.

He beamed: “Robbie’s a great guy whose only a couple of seasons behind how long I’ve played – he’s always been an inspirational leader in the team.

“I used to play with some of the coaches like Paddy (Conlon), Seb (Reynolds) and Owen (Root) and they’re all still at the club, so that’s fantastic.”

Having scored 47 tries during his time at the club – and contributed to countless penalty tries – James has a target and also recalls his greatest effort fondly, as well as his favourite memory.

“I’ll definitely get to 50!

“The most memorable one is from quite a few years ago and no-one believes me, but I ran from our own five-metre line at Newton Abbot to score at their end with an interception.

“It was quite a thing to behold and was probably more luck than anything – I think I was just in the right place – and it must have been quite a sight to see a prop running down the wing.

“I remember our last promotion (as National Two South campions) the most, because we had so many people around and a big celebration.”

With the National Cup on the horizon, James admitted the lack of scrums and mauls could mean he gets rotated more than usual, but also accentuated the positives.

He said: “You’ve got to do what you’ve got to do to get the game going, and get people watching the games.

“For me personally, it’s probably not ideal for an older prop – I’m perhaps not quite as nimble as some of the younger guys, but it will give others a chance to come through and show what they’ve got.

“It could prolong my career – any time you’re out on the field there’s the risk of hurting yourself, and as you get older you do pick up more niggles and injuries.

“Having less games might make me a bit fresher for when everything goes back to normal.”

Rest of the calendar

1 - Jez Flynn
2 - Andy Lynch
3 - Josh Collis
4 - Joe Bell
5 - Rodney Hutson
6 - Seb Reynolds
7 - Jamie Guttridge
8 - Robbie Stapley
9 - Gary Reynolds
10 - Alex Seers
11 - Owen Root
12 - Nick Flynn
13 - Conor Corrigan
14 - Rookie the Ram
15 - Tom Vooght