A LATE four-try blitz helped Rams Under 23s overturn a half-time deficit in their 50-25 floodlit success against their Army rivals.

On a crisp but initially dry night at Old Bath Road, the hosts started well.

But their early dominance swiftly turned into a 10-0 deficit.

Firtsly, they were turned over on the Army try-line, a sensational break from Cfn Ben Hurford-John ending with an inside ball to send LCpl Allsopp under the sticks.

2Lt Kennerson knocked over the extras and then swiftly landed a penalty.

Rams replied well, however, and try machine Harry Bicknell latched onto a loose ball from a line-out to power over.

Gethin Svensen-Davies cut the gap to three points, and his side moved in front soon after.

It was again a huge maul which gave Dave Cox’s side field position, before wing Jone Frederick finished smartly on the right.

Visitors lead at the break

Army prop Cfn Turner was sin-binned for obstructing the set-piece despite the try, but the Red Shirts defied their numerical disadvantage to hit back.

And it was a wonderful flowing backs move which ended with Rfn Brighton scything through, Kennerson’s second penalty making it 18-12 at the interval.

Rams struck first after the break as captain Bicknell mauled his way over again, but their opponents responded.

Despite Kennerson’s penalty attempt drifting wide, the excellent Hurford-John grabbed a seven pointer to put his side two scores clear.

That was as good as it got for the visitors though.

More Rams’ set-piece power laid the platform for debutant wing Saxon Hastings to dot down on the left.

Fellow first-time starter Joe Clark, who moved from inside centre to fly-half at half time, added the extras at the end of the third quarter.

And with the drizzle starting to become harder as the game progressed Bicknell collected a remarkable third hat-trick of the season as he once again surged over at the back of a forwards’ drive.

Clark landed for 29-25, and he repeated the trick after the lively Royal Air Force replacement Kieran Jenkins showed good pace to cross with seven minutes to play.

The centre then turned provider with another dashing burst, fellow replacement Louie Roumignac finishing in Clubhouse Corner.

Clark had now found his range from the tee, and his boot took the hosts to a half century after Roumignac added a further gloss to the scoreline.

The U23s are next due to host Cambridge U23s on Wednesday, December 16 (7.30pm).