Rams opened their account with a classic Conor Corrigan winger’s try in the 3rd minute of the game at TJ’s The Slade ground. This was followed by scrum dominance being rewarded by a Penalty Try in the 12th minute. Over the remainder of the half, with TJs only venturing into Rams half infrequently and having a 24th minute penalty miss from fly-half Nathan Holmes to their name, Rams tackling machine centre Stevie Bryant proved he’s equally fleet of foot with a powerful run and try (28th minute). His try was converted by the trusty boot of Rams No.10 Tom Humberstone – to leave the hosts trailing 19v0 at half-time.
Rams playing into the wind in the second half extended their lead within a minute of the restart, with flanker Tom Vooght securing the try bonus point by scoring after a characteristic silky run, converted again by Humberstone. Bryant’s centre partner Jordan Souter was next on the score sheet in the 52nd minute, with another try, Tom Humberstone converting.
TJs then had a purple patch of pressure and points after a raft of Rams substitutions, with lock Mark Davey (56th minute) scoring their first try, Michael O’Sullivan adding a further 5 points at 62 minutes, converted by Holmes, and Davey again getting the best of the Rams stingy defence to dot down three minutes later.
With the score at 33v17 to the away side, Rams put the game completely beyond Tonbridge’s grasp at the 71st minute mark with a balletic leaping score from right wing Jak Rossiter, from a bouncing grubber kick from fullback Olly Foxley - to bring the score to 40-17 following Humberstone’s extra points. Rams with 6 minutes left on the clock kept the pressure up with Souter cutting through the TJ defence for his brace of tries – again with Humberstone on song with the boot for the converted two points.

To their credit Tonbridge showed why they have been a success in the league following their promotion this season, with Davey right at the death sealing both his hat-trick and a try bonus point for his side, which following the successful conversion by Holmes brought the final score to 47v24 to RAMS.

This week Rams are back home at Old Bath Road playing Broadstreet RFC, kick off 2.30pm.

Match report - Matt Maxwell
Photos - Tim Pitfield