RAMS Centaurs (3rd XV) continued their sensational run of form in Counties Two Tribute Berks, Bucks & Oxon Two South with a 31-10 home triumph against Tadley.

It was a fifth win in six games for Jack Gaylor’s men, who came firing out of the blocks as captain Cam George added the extras to his own third-minute try.

Third-placed Tadley hit back with two quick-fire scores either side of the half-hour mark, but a stunning 40-metre effort from last year’s Colt Paddy Brown nudged the Mighty Cents 12-10 ahead on the stroke of half-time.

Coach Gaylor’s magic wand was waved on 48 minutes, another youngster in substitute Theo Pett-Ridge crossing the whitewash with his first touch as he ran in from halfway following a well-worked scrum move.

George added the extras before his side secured the bonus-point midway through the final quarter, some slick handling sending Sam Hawkes over in the corner for 26-10.

And shortly afterwards, more fine skills allowed Chris Kessell to continue his try-scoring hot streak, the long-serving Honours Cap finishing a flowing move with what would prove to be the final points of another encouraging afternoon.

Victory saw Rams climb to fourth in the table and just a point behind their opponents, while also now just seven back from second-placed Maidenhead 2nd XV with a game in hand.

A delighted Gaylor began: “It was a game of momentum swings and who could take the opportunity to get ahead – we started well, keeping the ball and playing the phases and keeping the pressure in defence.

“But Tadley then got the better of things, bringing the physicality, and we dropped off.

“After their second try Cam gave a great speech and after a regather at half time, we came out and meant business – the whole team stepped up and rose to the challenge.”

He continued: “The defensive effort was the highlight of the second half, which was led by young Paddy in the centres. Scuba (Stevie Bryant) would have been proud of his defensive workrate, and he was a deserving man-of-the-match.

“But I also have to give a special mention to the entire pack, the scrum dominating throughout the game and providing a great set piece to work off.”

The Centaurs will look to continue their great form as the headline act at Old Bath Road on Saturday, hosting mid-table Amersham & Chiltern 2nd XV.