MATCH REPORT: RAMS SUFFER SALE SETBACK

RAMS National One campaign began in disappointing fashion with a 50-22 home defeat to long-term nemeses Sale FC.

The Dogs took a fourth-minute lead when returning a kick from midfield, Mark Dixon diving over on the right.

And they could have extended it soon after when scrum-half Joe Green burst clear after taking a tap penalty on halfway, only for his pass on the 22 to be spilled by Osian Roberts.

But they were more successful at the start of the second quarter, Tom Walsh bursting down the left before sending Joe Green over for a try added to by James Mitchell.

Rams got on the board when Zach Clow collected Ross McKay’s cross-field kick to dot down on the left.

McKay landed a fabulous conversion, but the visitors took complete control with four tries in 10 minutes either side of half-time.

Firstly, Dixon was creator for Walsh, and Corbin Thunder then raced clear to dive next to the posts, Mitchell landing for 24-7.

More brilliant continuity play ended with Green doubling up from another Walsh inside ball two minutes into the second period.

And Sale then found space on the other side as wing Freddie Reader added his side’s sixth for a 36-7 advantage.

Rams burst into life

Yet the hosts then roared back with a three-try blitz of their own to briefly ignite hopes of a remarkable fightback.

The excellent Johnny Ireland grabbed the first as he peeled off a huge maul to dot down in Clubhouse Corner.

And five minutes later another powerful set-piece ended with debutant Sam Stirling burrowing over.

It was game on at the start of the final quarter when Ireland doubled up with another strong maul effort.

But they were given a taste of their own medicine as Pete Vickers burrowed over to effectively end the contest on 66 minutes, Mitchell making it 43-22.

Rams had a couple more chances with close-range line-outs late on, but Green completed his hat-trick in carbon copy as his previous two.

And Mitchell brought up the half century with the final kick of the match.

Rams head to Dings Crusaders next Saturday (3pm) before welcoming Bishop’s Stortford to Old Bath Road on September 19.

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Final Score: Rams 22–50 Sale FC (Half Time: 7-24)