HISTORY repeated itself as Rams blew a 24-point lead for the second consecutive year against Aberavon, the visitors defeated 52-29 in Wales.

The home side suffered an early yellow card for a trip at the breakdown, and Rams took advantage with the opening score.

It followed a spell of sustained pressure, with hooker Harry Bicknell burrowing over from close range.

The followed it up with a beauty soon after, Willo Bicknell making a dent in midfield before some slick handling ended with an inside ball from Axel Kalling-Smith setting-up fellow wing Connor Burns for the try.

Ross McKay slotted the conversion, and Rams brilliant start continued with Kalling-Smith claiming a loose ball for 17-0 at a point-per-minute.

A huge 12-man away maul was then held up over the line, but it was only a temporary reprieve for Aberavon.

Another five-metre scrum ended with some super strength and handling from debutant centre Matt Blee, the Army man off-loading to Burns to double up.

McKay’s touchline conversion extended the lead further, and Rams looked completely in control until five minutes before the break.

Hosts start comeback

But two quick home tries changed the momentum dramatically.

Firstly The Wizards grabbed a loose ball in their own 22 before going the length, Ashton Evans grounding before Charlie Thomas added the extras.

Worse followed with Ellis Jones sin-binned for trying to slow the ball before the score.

And with the final play of the opening half Frankie Jones grabbed a similar score for 24-12.

Rams began to ring the changes at the break, and a third self-inflicted score came when McKay’s grubber kick was blocked by Rhys Thomas.

The home skipper then hacked the ball forward with James Price crossing the whitewash for a seven-pointer.

And to complete 15 minutes of madness, Aberavon then hit the front when Thomas converted a Scott Whitlock try.

The impressive Evans was again key after cutting a glorious line in midfield.

The Wizards then seized complete control by the end of the third quarter, two converted maul tries making it 40-24.

The deluge continued with 12 minutes to go, but Rams gave themselves a glimmer of hope when Mike Cooke’s long pass gave Oli Sedgwick a walk-in wide left.

But a final-play score took Aberavon past their half century.

Rams begin their National One at home to Sale FC on Saturday, September 5 (3pm).