SEB Reynolds was happy to see Rams continue their final home game winning streak with a thrilling 49-40 National One victory against Rosslyn Park.

The hosts have not lost their last Old Bath Road clash since 2013, and they made a perfect start as James McRae glided over for a try converted by Fraser Honey.

Park replied thanks to Matt Woodward and Josh Bragman’s boot, but converted tries from Tomek Pozniak and Dan Swain made it 21-7.

Rosslyn cut the gap before the break as Ewan Fenley touched down, Bragman again on target, but McRae’s second early in the second half restored the 14-point lead.

Charlie Walker touched down for the visitors before McRae completed his treble, Jasper Cameron with a swift Park reply as both kickers maintained their 100 per cent records.

Swain’s second tested Honey from the touchline, but the fly-half landed for 42-28 before Bragman and Walker crossed, the former adding to his own try.

However, Rams came again and finally sealed the deal with Mikey Duda’s converted late effort.

Reflecting on a cracker, the DoR said: “It was a brilliant game – end-to-end, all-action and physical – so credit to both sets of players because neither group had anything to play for other than personal pride, and they brought so much to a magnificent occasion.

“Every time we scored and felt as though we might be able to take the game away from them, they just went and did the same themselves.

“So well done to Rosslyn, they’ve kicked on this year and they’ll certainly be a force next season.

“But we stuck at it, provided threats and the team’s off-loading throughout was excellent.

“The defence coaches might be a little miffed, but there was quality rugby on show and sometimes you must credit the attack.

“I thought James especially was superb. He’s been very good the past few weeks with the grounds firming up and with the injuries last week he also had to call the line-out, while the likes of Ryan (Lomas) and Liam (Bishop) also did well stepping up in the front row.”

With Rams selecting a remarkably inexperienced side, Seb continued: “For the likes of (Joe) Pannese, Jack Rampton, Oli Rhoads, Mikey Duda, they were playing in the Development XV earlier in the campaign, but I thought they were brilliant against a quality side.

“We’ve always wanted to win and fully respect this league, it’s a fantastic level of rugby, and while we’ve had some tough times – losing six in a row for the first time in eight years – we’ve stuck through it and found out about these lads.

“Ollie Hodgson was originally the fourth-choice scrum-half but I think he’s been superb this season, I can’t speak highly enough about what he’s done.

“He’s shown incredible resilience and every time he’s taken a knock, where we’ll suggest he needed to do something to improve, he doesn’t take it personally and just gets better.

“It was also great to have Ioan (Emanuel) and Jasper (Spandler) from Bath, they’ve truly bought into the group throughout.”

Seb was also quick to thank the 1,237-strong crowd for creating another sensational atmosphere, while paying tribute to retiring former captain Robbie Stapley.

He ended: “The fans have been incredible all season and were again in the sun. They’ve stayed with us throughout.

“The last thing we said in the changing rooms was ‘let’s give Robbie a good send-off’ and I think we did.

“He was probably a little more tired than he’d have wanted to be, but I want to reiterate what he’s brought and how wonderful he’s been for the club.

“I knew him from his playing days, but he’s always been a pleasure to coach, and sometimes you’ve got to work with people to find the ultimate diamonds who’ll fight for you.

“Robbie’s been incredibly committed. He’s up early in the morning walking his dogs, getting to the gym, looking after his family, but as soon as he crosses that white line, there’s no-one quite like him – he has an unrelenting will to win the physical battle and that’s what’s helped his longevity in the game.

“He’s earnt the right to choose to retire while he’s on top and I truly thank him for everything.”