MAN-OF-THE-MATCH Mike Hoyt admitted his long wait to crack the Rams first XV makes National One victories such as Saturday’s 28-7 home triumph against Sedgley Park even more special.

Having joined the club from Northumbria University in the summer of 2022, the back row was imperious in being named Titans’ Players’ Player of the Year at the end of his debut season, but had to wait until the opening day of the current campaign for his maiden first-team outing.

A further six have followed, but it was Saturday where he truly caught the eye with an industrious display highlighted by a simply magnificent try.

And he said: “It was class to be out there again and to have the chance to do my part and get us back to winning ways – it felt good.

“We knew we were fresh coming in, so we had to start strongly and make sure we pushed right to the end because they’re a team which doesn’t stop.

“Sedgley Park are a strong team, but we did our analysis and knew their No. 10 (Warren Seals) is a real ballplayer who dictates the way they play, so we had to make sure we found ways of stopping him from putting their big forwards in the game.”

After Max Hayman gave Rams the lead from the back of a maul, Hoyt doubled the lead with a stunning score in which he flicked a reverse pass to Henry Bird before taking it back for his second try of the season, Fraser Honey’s two conversions making it 14-0 at the interval.

Commenting on the five-pointer, Mike modestly admitted: “All I heard was Henry shouting ‘Mike, out the back, Mike, out the back’ so I just had to trust him – you can always trust Birdy to be there – and he made the break. Then I was just there inside him and it was all pretty sweet.”

A penalty try and Ollie Monye effort confirmed the bonus-point in the final quarter, and while Austin Downham claimed a consolation for Park, Rams were well worth their 11th win in 15 matches to date.

Reflecting on what it means to wear the shirt, Mike explained: “After my first year of watching the boys, I had such a big motivation to go out and play with them in front of such great crowds.

“It feels brilliant when you’re out there with everyone cheering you on. My last game at Richmond the supporters were amazing and then again back here, having the home advantage is good – no matter how far ahead or behind we are, they’re always with us.”

While Mike was taking the plaudits at Old Bath Road, his younger brother Tim made a Leicester Lions debut in their shock win at Blackheath – meaning a possible match-up could be on the cards when the Midlanders visit next month (February 17).

And the star man was excited by the prospect as he concluded: “I’ll be working to stay in the squad and it would be a big time for our family to see us play against each other, so I’ve got to stay fit and keep doing my bit for the team to try and make it happen.”