Bury St Edmunds 28 Rams 31
Rams chalked up their seventh successive victory – and virtually secured National 2 South status for another season in a real hum-dinger of a match.
They moved up to seventh place and collected yet another bonus point success. Although mathematically they could be still be relegated, this is unlikely with nine clubs beneath them and four games remaining.
Rams coach Mike Tewkesbury admitted: “It was a really competitive contest. Both sides contributed and it was a great advertisement for the game. I felt our back row was outstanding."
Both sides had half chances early on but it was Rams who made the breakthrough in the 13th minute.
A searing break by man-of-the-march No 8 Robbie Stapley was carried on by the lively Conor Corrigan and finished by George Drury, Chandler converting from wide out.However
Two minutes later it was 14-0 when good driving play by the pack was finished by the backs. Corrigan went over and Chandler added the extras.
Just before the break, Rams pressure forced a penalty and Chandler duly obliged. But Bury had the last word with a five-pointer from centre Sam Sterling albeit with more than a hint of obstruction.
Chandler was off target with a penalty soon after the turnaround and disaster appeared to strike in the 50th minute when Samir Kharbouch was yellow carded for coming in at the side.
However Rams, pinned on their own line, turned over ball and Tom Vooght made ground to halfway. A clever kick by Corrigan gained territory and Stapley eventually went over for his fifth try in four outings.
But on the hour, Mark Kitson crossed for the hosts to narrow the scoreline to 14-24, only for that man Corrigan to be involved yet again with ten minutes remaining.
He raced down the wing and passed inside to Vooght, who strolled over with Chandler adding his fourth conversion..
The never-say-die Suffolk men, although trailing by 17 points, made for a tense finish with two late touchdowns from Will Affleck and a penalty try. Scott Lyle converted for the fourth time and this proved to be the last play of a thrilling encounter.
It was a lively display of ferocious defence and skilful attacking rugby by Rams, but on the downside Tom Vooght sustained a hand injury late on. It could rule him out of the home clash with leaders Cambridge on Saturday.
Rams: Foxley: Corrigan, Bryant, Barnes, McDermottroe; Chandler, Drury; Steadman, Henderson, Weller, Bryson, Kerschbaumer, Kharbouch, Vooght, Stapley. Reps: Crame, Smith, Amor, Guttridge, Richardson.