MATCH REPORT: COLTS PROGRESS IN NATIONAL CUP

RAMS Colts produced a fine performance to win 40-19 at Marlow in the first round of the National Cup.

The visitors fell behind early on as their opponents made yards down the right wing before crossing with a quick pick-and-go, but Rams roused themselves and were ahead after 10 minutes when Obi Nwachuku powered over from close range and Matt Cox (pictured) kicked the conversion.

Both teams played some excellent rugby with high skill on view during a topsy-turvy first half, but the away side extended their lead via a penalty try when Aaron Preston was prevented from scoring illegally.

Marlow struck back in the corner, expertly converting to cut the gap to 14-12, but the half ended with Rams catching the hosts napping with a quick tap from close range resulting in Theo Pett-Ridge going over.

Now with the wind at their backs, Rams started the second half with added urgency and started gain a level of control.

After a period of prolonged pressure, the ball was moved to the right where Cox threw a dummy before diving over.

He then converted his try to make it 26-12, but Marlow then enjoyed their best spell of prolonged pressure.

Wave after wave of attack were thrown at the visitors, who for the most part defended them, but eventually from a close-range scrum Marlow were able to force their way over for a converted score under the posts.

With their lead now only seven points with 15 minutes remaining, a penalty at the restart allowed Rams to kick deep into the hosts’ 22, and then another penalty from the resulting line-out enabled Jack Mander to take a quick tap and score in the corner.

This was again converted by Cox, and with Marlow chasing the game, Rams managed to turn the ball over.

A nice short pass put Jayden Benham through a hole before he off loaded to Patrick Brown who linked with Luke Thorpe.

The latter raced down the wing before expertly drawing the remaining cover and passing back inside to the supporting Cox, who went over for his second score of the day.

The fly-half duly added the extras for a personal tally of 18 points before the full-time whistle was shortly blown on a terrific win.

Head coach Dave Cox said: “Credit needs to go to Marlow who played their part in an excellent match which was in the balance right up into the last 15 minutes, while for us, a special mention to centres Patrick and Theo who excelled in attack and defence.”

Rams will face Beaconsfield in the second round.