MATCH REPORT: CENTAURS OFF THE MARK WITH MILTON KEYNES SUCCESS

RAMS Centaurs secured a first-ever Level Seven success as they overcame visitors Milton Keynes 25-21 in Counties One Tribute Southern North.

Having been crowned champions with 19 wins from 20 games to earn promotion last season, it has been a tough start to the campaign for the Mighty Cents as they have settled into life at a level the 1st XV were playing less than two decades ago.

But bolstered by the return of some of the title-winning stalwarts such as Harry Etwell, co-captain Jack Gaylor, Tom George, Dan Bennett and Matt Rose, they produced a valiant success which allayed a run of five defeats.

The hosts went ahead through hooker Harrison Stanners, his namesake on the right wing, Bowles, doubling the tally before Cam George converted the latter for 12-0.

The younger George – who returned from injury for a developmental Titans side at Cambridge University in midweek – then landed a penalty to push his side further in front early in the second half.

Milton Keynes refused to yield, though, and grabbed a converted try to cut the gap to eight before Bennett dotted down on his first start for a while, George’s kick extending the lead back to 22-7 in the Cents’ favour.

Yet the Buckinghamshire visitors came again, two seven-pointers making it as close as it had been from the outset.

Centaurs, though, were not to be denied, and with George landing a penalty, they then saw out the clock to get their seasonal show on the road with a history-making triumph.

Coach Joe Whatmore – who believes improved availability can see his troops more than compete in their first campaign at this level - was delighted with the success and highlighted back rows Alex Pitfield and Jordan Talia as outstanding in the victory.

Having climbed to 10th in the table, the Mighty Cents face a tricky test at unbeaten Oxford Harlequins 2nd XV on Saturday (2pm).