MATCH REACTION: RYAN ROCKING AFTER ‘AMAZING’ DEBUT

TEENAGE tyro Ryan Carr paid tribute to his teammates after making a try-scoring National One debut on Saturday.

In his first adult game, the former junior crossed during Rams’ 71-38 home triumph against Leicester Lions.

The riveting contest was the highest-scoring Level Three game at OBR, leaving a crowd of 764 enthralled.

Rams made a stunning start and wrapped up a bonus-point inside 15 minutes as Morgan MacRae (two), Axel Kalling-Smith and Mike Cooke touched down.

The latted converted all four for 28-0 before Jake Sterland went over for Lions, Theo Mannion with the extras.

Rams came again, though, Zach Clow and Luke Graham over for seven-pointers before Lions roared back.

Lions roar back before Carr drives hosts to win

In a dominant 10-minute spell either side of the break they reduced the arrears to 42-26 with Max Humphreys, Fin Ogden and Diamond Ayiehfor dotting down.

The helter-skelter nature of the contest continued as Pete Austin and Ollie Hodgson went over for Rams, only for Brad Mckenna’s double to leave things 52-38 to the home side.

But Forest School flyer Carr – who had earlier set-up Clow’s try with a blistering burst – crossed on the left with 13 minutes remaining.

Cooke, who scored 26 points, then doubled his try tally before captain Willo Bicknell scored with the last action of a remarkable contest.

Commenting on his first adult outing, Ryan said: “It was amazing and means everything to me.

“I’m so happy to play with the boys and during the week everyone was encouraging me.

“They told me to do what I do and it gave me a lot of confidence. Hopefully I can play a few more games.”

Having helped Bath to a runners-up finish in the Prem Under 18 competition, Carr has also impressed for Beechen Cliff school.

And on balancing his education with being involved in a professional environment he joked: “It’s difficult, but I’m getting it done.

“And moments like today make it all worthwhile.

“With the try I knew I was in, and happy to have a little celebration. I’m grateful to the other guys for setting me up.

“Finally, I want to thank the crowd for their support, they were amazing. It was a great day.”