RAMS Centaurs (3rd XV) climbed to sixth in the Counties Two Tribute Berks, Bucks & Oxon South table with a fine 30-17 victory at Hungerford.

On a cold afternoon at Priory Lane, it took just four minutes for last year’s Colt, hooker Gabe Bowers, to give the visitors the early advantage with a try added to by Cameron George.

Five of the starting back-line had been Colts in the past two years, another in Callum du Preez among the substitutes, but it was the long-serving No. 8 Chris Kessell who pushed his side further in front with another score added to by George just before the half-hour mark.

Hungerford got themselves on the board three minutes into the second period, but Rams replied quickly as Alex Morgans touched down.

The hosts closed the gap to seven points with a converted try at the end of the third quarter, but the Mighty Cents gave themselves a bit of breathing room as Theo Pett-Ridge landed a penalty.

Yet this was quickly shut down thanks to another seven-pointer from the hosts, Rams now leading 22-19 with a quarter-of-an-hour remaining.

However, despite their youthful side, the visitors showed impressive composure and eventually ensured the spoils thanks to a Tom David penalty and a Will Rayner injury-time try, the latter also securing a useful bonus-point.

Centaurs face a tough test on Saturday when they host third-placed Tadley.