There was new year disappointment as Rams went down 18-12 to Sale at Old Bath Road.
The visitors led 8-0 at half-time thanks to a Mark Dixon try and Joe Green penalty.
The latter slotted another three-pointer before Andrew Lamb converted an Oli Rhoads try to make it 11-7.
But Evan Mintern and the boot of Green made extended the Dogs’ lead, and despite Mikey Duda touching down, the hosts couldn’t complete the comeback.
Stunning comeback success
Seb Reynolds’ men completed one of the great comebacks seven days later with a 35-33 triumph at Tonbridge Juddians.
Sam Evans converted two Nathan Earle tries to give the hosts an early lead at the 4G Vizards.
But Max Hayman dotted down to get Rams on the board, Mike Cooke with the extras.
Tom Kendrick then bagged a brace and another James conversion made it 26-7 at the break, Rams also losing Rhoads, Aaron Tull and Ed Hoadley to injury before the interval.
But a sensational fightback saw Zach Clow, Willo Bicknell and Duda nudge Rams in front with converted efforts.
TJs responded thanks to hat-trick hero Earle and Evans, though.
But there was a final triumphant sting in the tail as James Baker scored his 50th Rams try, Cooke with the decisive kick.
Hat-trick hero Axel Kalling-Smith starred as Rams toppled Leeds Tykes 34-24 at OBR.
It was a second successive bonus-point victory for the boys in blue.
Hayman opened the scoring before Connor Walker touched down, Ed Crossland converting to nudge the Yorkshiremen in front.
Harry Stone and Seramaia Turagbeci then exchanged five-pointers before Kalling-Smith and Clow dotted down.
Cooke added to the latter for 22-14 at the interval.
And two more tries from Sweden captain Kalling-Smith, one converted by Cooke, gave Rams a healthy lead.
Bertie Bradshaw and Walker secured a try bonus for the visitors, but they never truly threatened to shock the hosts.
Another terrific comeback ultimately proved in vain as Rams lost 31-24 at Birmingham Moseley.
The visitors were 14-0 behind after Jack Jolly converted tries from Aquile Smith and Elliott Creed.
Clow and Cooke halve the deficit, but two Callum Allen converted scores either side of the break left the visitors with a mountain to climb.
Yet Ram suddenly found their rhythm.
Rowan Grundy was first to start the comeback before Hayman powered over, Bicknell next to cross the whitewash as another Cooke kick made it 28-24.
However, Rams lost their way in the final 10 minutes and Tommy Taylor’s long-range penalty sealed the deal for the Midlanders.
*Season tickets are now on sale with supporters able to save some 15 per cent on matchday prices by booking before August 23.
Earlier in the Season
