A few silver linings for the Rams were the debuts of graduates from the Rams academy in conjunction with Reading University for Olly Moffit and Matt Allen, which head coach Seb Reynolds spoke about in his post match interview, saying, “First of all, it was a nice surprise to have lovely weather and a good pitch to play on so we were grateful for that. I thought we played some really positive rugby and it was great to see the handling in our first try down the right hand side. The big story for us today is that we introduced two guys making their debut into the pack today in Olly Moffit and Matt Allen following a fine season with the university and they did a great job. Credit must go to Jak Rossiter for his hat trick; he’s been dying to get his hands on the ball so I’m really happy for him. All in all, it didn’t go our way today but that’s just how it goes sometimes, we probably didn’t up our tempo enough until the final stages but we got two bonus points and we played some good stuff so not all bad.”

The Rams endured a disastrous start as the home side took the lead within the opening few minutes of the game as they broke with slick hands to comfortably run the ball in under the posts with minimal pressure from the Rams defence.
The first 10 minutes of the games were played with high intensity from both sides with the Rams camping themselves in Bury’s 22 but unable to find a way through their resilient defence despite captain Vooght’s efforts. This was followed by an unfortunate knee ligament injury for the Rams number 9, Olly Cole, adding further to the away sides woes.

However, after 20 minutes the Rams demonstrated exquisite handling to whip the ball out wide, with a seemingly new zest of energy following a slow start, as Rossiter burst towards the line with an explosion of pace to bring the Rams level.

With the game approaching half time both sides appeared to be cancelling each other out, as the Rams won a penalty line out but once again the ball was turned over and Bury switched the play quickly moving the ball to the other side of the field, with only grass in front of them until Souter came storming over saving the Rams with a monster tackle to bring the teams into the break all square.

The Rams began the second half poorly once again with Bury taking the lead early on following a series of pick up and drives.
The Rams reacted well finding themselves in the Bury 22 swiftly and after a lengthy delay following numerous collapsed scrums, Booth took the ball out the back of the scrum and gave it to Rossiter on the blindside, who sidestepped his opposite number and ran the ball in a the corner to bring the scores level for the second time of the afternoon. The home side continued to edge forward on the score board with two converted penalty kicks as the game entered a period of tactical stalemate.

Bury took a six point lead into the final 10 minutes of the game still somehow matching their intensity of the opening 20 minutes and following some dynamic, darting runs from the Bury back line they managed to take the ball over the line in the corner, now building what seemed to be an unattainable lead, with the score at 27 – 14.
Despite a late resurgence for the Rams, who secured two more tries in the final few minutes from Josh Collis as well as Rossiter getting his hat trick, they were unable to overcome Bury st Edmunds, coming agonisingly close, with the game finishing 27 – 24 in favour of the home side.
It was enough for Rams to keep the 3rd position in the league and secure them their highest ever league finishing position, (either 3rd or 4th).

The Rams will be at home this Saturday 14th April v Canterbury RFC KO 2.30pm.