PROUD Seb Reynolds believes Rams took a huge step forward despite a 35-21 National One defeat at unbeaten table-toppers Plymouth Albion.

An unbelievably bad start saw the visitors 21-0 down after just eight minutes, Iwan Jenkins, Jarrad Hayler and Oscar Stewart dotting down.

Dan Swain was also in the sin-bin for Rams, yet they showed incredible character from then on.

The rest of the first half was pointless, though Albion again flexed their muscles early in the second period, Jake Clemson securing the bonus-point.

Henry Kirwan got Rams off the mark, Ross McKay with a fine touchline conversion.

Plymouth replied through Noah Fenton and Jenkins’ boot for 35-7.

But two converted Pete Austin tries late on meant despite defeat, Rams left Brickfields with a positive mindset.

And Seb confessed: “After the first eight minutes it looked like it could have been a cricket score.

“We couldn’t do anything right – yellow card, slips in midfield, the kick-off straight out, you name it, the things we didn’t want to do, we did.

“But after that we managed to establish a platform.

“Plymouth lost their discipline a bit which allowed us to gain field position, and we showed great character.

“We had things we wanted to achieve in the game, and while we didn’t get them all done, we got most.

“Plymouth have a bonus-point victory at home, we have nothing, but the beauty of rugby is there is context among these things.

“Despite getting nothing, the guys come away a better side and that’s what we wanted to achieve.”

‘A positive change’

He continued: “(After the start) I was thinking of the Homer Simpson meme where he’s moving back into the hedge.

“But you can’t do that. Us as coaches, the players, you cannot retreat, you have to puff your chest out and get on with it.

“Credit Plymouth, we couldn’t do anything right early on, but they were electric.

“So, then you have to find something. Collisions, parity in any area, field position, discipline and we did that (for the last 30 minutes of the first half).

“Then they score after the break and again it can get away from us.

“But the lads just weren’t going to let that happen, whereas last year it did. It’s a positive change.

“They showed grit, determination, character and proved to themselves what they can do.”

Following the late collapse against Leeds the week before, Rams’ response to the early triple setback was even more mentally impressive.

And the Director of Rugby revealed: “With this group, time on the pitch together is crucial. They are learning all the time. I feel it.

“As much as it would be brilliant, these things don’t happen immediately. If you could just throw a bunch of young lads together and have them do it every week, it would be remarkable.”

The unity of the group and connection with supporters was also shown at the end, with Seb ending: “I’d like to think everyone who came can see what we’re trying to do.

“In life, effort should always be rewarded, and our guys put in so much.

“I repeat myself – after the first eight minutes, everyone knows what could have happened (if it continued).

“So for it not to be that, for us to get some success, finish strongly and grab a maul try, it’s something to take into next week.”

Rams host third-placed Camborne on Saturday (3pm). For tickets, click here