It’s five games undefeated for Redingensians Rams after their 41-22 home win against Cinderford RFC. Starting the game with a near-identical team sheet to their match against Bury St Edmunds last week, Rams proved their rise in the NL2S table against a good opposition.

Rams started strongly with two penalty opportunities, gaining the point lead when the first was converted by Atkins. Huge offensive hits from Steadman and Taylor put the home side at a comfortable place on the pitch as well as the scoreboard.

While Cinderford were quick in defence and ushered in a hard-fought opening half, it was the home side who first found their opposing try line. An attacking rally from Duffelen and Rossiter down the right side paved the way for pitch-spanning passes and a triumphant try for Corrigan in front of the home crowd. Atkins picked up the extras for a 10-0 score line.

The visitors responded immediately with a converted try of their own. A chip past Rams’ defence was all Cinderford needed to show off the amazing pace of York. Other offensive attempts from the Cinderford camp were successfully repelled with stellar defensive play coming from Vooght and Sanders.

In the 28th minute Rams picked up their second penalty when Cinderford were punished for not rolling away from the tackle. Atkins booted in 3 points and, a few minutes later, found another 7 with a try of his own. Set up by Henderson’s heroic hit through the visitor’s defence, Atkins weaved to the line.

Corrigan got his second try of the day just before the half time whistle. Managing to dodge the entirety of the Cinderford squad and make 40 yards of pitch, Corrigan called in the half time score of 27-7 with his fifth try in three games.

Rams had a rockier start to the second half. Cinderford were quick to get an unconverted try and a succeeding penalty in the opening moments of the final forty. Some excellent runs Cinderford-side threatened further concession for Rams but were held back by high-pressure turnovers won by Bryant and Vooght.

Rossiter scored his try in the 62nd minute after securing a loose ball and running towards clubhouse corner. Atkins made the extras from the side-line.

The final 10 minutes of the match were played at a much slower pace. Mired by injuries, the close of the game felt more like a slow brawl than the quick knockout the home crowd were expecting. Ross Crame found the final try for Rams while Cinderford received a concessionary try in the closing moments of the game.

Rams will be put to the test next week away against Old Elthamians, one of the league topping teams.

Report by Matt McCrory
Photo by Paul Clark

Redingensians Rams (15-9, 1-8):
15 - Duffelen
14 - Rossiter
13 - Bryant
12 - Sanders
11 - Corrigan
10 - Atkins
9 - Illingworth
1 - Steadman
2 - Henderson
3 - McDonnell-Roberts
4 - Hoy
5 - Taylor
6 - Bryson
7 - Vooght
8 - Stapley (c)

Replacements:
16 - Crame
17 - Weller
18 - Nightingale
19 - Guttridge
20 - U'Chong