RAMS Centaurs (3rd XV) bounced back from their narrow defeat at Marlow 2nd XV with a convincing 33-10 home triumph against a depleted yet spirited Newbury 2nd XV.

The hosts took a 12th-minute lead as Shane Hancock crossed the whitewash, Theo Pett-Ridge with the extras, the latter then adding to his own try for 14-0 midway through the second quarter.

Newbury pulled a try back before the break, but Rams replacement Joe Newton hit back for the hosts early in the second period.

Next to cross for the Mighty Cents was Callum Pitfield, but Newbury, who were short of numbers throughout and eventually finished the game with just 11 men, showed incredible guts and determination to blast over from close range for a second try.

However, the home team had the final word as the ever-impressive second row Will Rayner found space to race in from some 40 metres out, Pett-Ridge rounding-out the scoring with a third successful conversion.

Victory leaves the Centaurs seventh in the table but only four points adrift of third-placed Amersham & Chiltern 2nd XV.

Next up for the Cents is a tough trip to runaway and unbeaten table-toppers Henley 2nd XV on Saturday, January 4.