RAMS Colts marched into the last 16 of the National Cup for the first time in more than a decade with a brilliant 45-5 victory at previously unbeaten Marlborough.

Choosing to play up the hill and into the wind, the hosts’ decision almost immediately backfired as Rams scored from the kick-off through a bulldozing run by Jayden Benham.

The tricky conversion was missed, but after more sustained pressure, captain Aaron Preston crossed near the posts from a close-range pick-and-go, Matt Cox adding the extras for 12-0.

The lead was extended when Cox swept down the blind-side and put Jack Taylor through a gap to power over out wide, but after another conversion extended the advantage, Marlborough got a foothold in the game.

However, a series of strong carries, particularly from their tight-head prop, came up against a ferocious Rams’ defensive effort which precipitated Theo Pett-Ridge claiming an interception and a seven-pointer under the posts.

Towards the end of a superb opening half, the visitors saved their best to last as they moved the ball to the left and a double miss-pass put Luke Thorpe in the clear.

He beat his man before feeding Callum Du Preez with an inside ball, and while the full-back still had plenty to do, he beat the last two defenders with a deft side-step to cross the whitewash before Cox made it 33-0 at the break.

Yet turning to play up the hill and into the gale-force wind and rain, Rams soon realised the game was not over as Marlborough scored an excellent try in the left-hand corner.

With a potential fightback now on the cards, though, the away side rolled their metaphorical sleeves up and produced their best 30 minutes of the season.

Controlling the ball and territory they kept the ball in hand and played some great stuff in which two more tries were scores, Jake Scott and Thorpe the finishers, and with a further conversion, Rams pulled off a fine victory.

Delighted head coach Dave Cox said: “Credit should go to the whole squad which built upon their excellent performance the week before against Windsor.

“Marlborough were fabulous hosts, a friendly club whose boys were superb throughout.
“While it was not their day, they played with real passion and fought until the end.”

The Colts’ reward for their success means a last 16 home game against Old Patesians on Sunday, January 14, while they return to OBB Division One action at Oxford Harlequins tomorrow.