MATCH REPORT: BACK-TO-BACK WINS LEAVE CENTS FEELING ROSE-Y

RAMS Centaurs recorded back-to-back wins for the first time in Counties One Tribute Southern North as they came away from Milton Keynes with a superb 27-5 bonus-point victory.

The visitors took a seventh-minute lead when a well-crafted short-side attack down the left ended with Terrel Harry barrelling over, but Milton Keynes replied instantly to level things with a try of their own.

However, the Mighty Cents regained the lead with a lovely move down the blind-side, Berkshire Under 20s wing Ollie Whattam – who was outstanding all game with several significant runs from distance – showing great hands to send Cameron George across the whitewash.

The fly-half knocked over the conversion, and then landed a penalty to give his side a 15-5 lead at the end of the opening quarter.

Things got even better for the away side when another stand-out performer, Jordan Talia – a real menace in stealing plenty of line-out ball from his opponents’ throw – produced an awesome run to touch down near the posts for another score added to by George.

Having built up a useful half-time lead the first points of the second period were always going to be important, and it was Rams who got them when following a series of pick-and-goes from a line-out in the MK 22, another flowing three-quarters move sent full-back Tom George over on the right towards the end of the third quarter.

The hosts continued to battle and it took a resolute defensive performance from the Centaurs – highlighted by an outstanding Whattam chase and cover-tackle to stop an interception leading to a try, Mike Annells with the resultant turnover – which ensured they kept their opponents from getting back into the game.

Stand-in coach Harry Stapleton was impressed with a fine team performance and alongside Whattam and Talia, praised Dave Few and Chris Kessell for their work-rate and strong carrying throughout.

However, taking man-of-the-match honours was stalwart Matt Rose, the long-serving clubman again thriving in his new role on the blind-side flank with an all-action display.

Having found the going tough in the early stages of their first season at Level Seven, the Centaurs have now won three of their past four games – the sole blip a one-point home reverse against Buckingham – and will look to continue their resurgence when the main event at Old Bath Road on Saturday.

Oxford Harlequins 2nd XV are the visitors with a 2pm kick-off.