ROBBIE Stapley broke the record for most Rams first-team league tries as his double helped secure a nerve-jangling 44-36 away victory at Dings Crusaders.

An early Tom Knight penalty put the Bristolians in front before Rams hit back almost immediately, Dan Swain smashing his way over from close range before Fraser Honey added the extras.

Dings responded, however, Bristol Bears loanee Kofi Cripps riding over a ferocious maul from some 10 metres out to nudge his side back in front, Knight’s conversion making it 10-7.

The visitors attempted to reply in kind – a set-piece of their own held up over the line – but it was Crusaders who extended their advantage when a loose ball was hoovered up in midfield, wing Harry Rowson the beneficiary as he crossed next to the posts.

Knight made no mistake with his simple kick, but Rams then burst into life as they racked up 21 unanswered points to take a measure of control.

First to cross was Zach Clow, the full back aided by a simply sensational off-load from Army debutant Solodrau Radianirova, the Fijian sending the ball back inside as he was bundled into touch.

Honey was again on target, and Rams moved in front soon after as Tom Vooght dotted down from a patient maul for his first try since returning to his boyhood club in the summer.

Another successful Honey kick was followed by Stapley’s first, the No. 8 burrowing over for a close-range converted score.

The impressive hosts refused to yield, though, and another strong set-piece dragged sufficient defenders in for Rowson to cross wide right, Knight’s terrific touchline conversion making it 28-24 at the break.

Honey’s boot remained on point as he extended the lead back to seven points with a penalty, history then made as Stapley finished another maul for his 102nd effort, breaking Jez Flynn’s previous figure.

Dings replacement prop Brian Ncube was sin-binned for a high tackle soon after coming on, but fellow front row Jimmy Halliwell powered over for 36-31.

Rams seemed to have the game won as Axel Kalling-Smith became their fifth try-scorer, the Swede dotting down out wide with four minutes remaining.

Yet Crusaders came back yet again, Ncube making up for his earlier indiscretion to give his side hope.

That was ultimately quelled, however, Kalling-Smith winning a superb turnover penalty before Honey landed from 40 metres to cap a cracking encounter.