Rams’ scrum proved dominant on Ant Marris’ 100th appearance in a 21-5 win at Leeds Tykes to make it four victories from five.
Mike Cooke converted a Morgan MacRae effort for 7-0 at the break, only for Leeds to level thanks to Ben Dixon and the boot of Eddie Crossland.
Yet the hosts racked up an extraordinary five yellow cards during the contest, Rams taking the spoils with Cooke again on target following tries from Zach Clow and Max Hayman.
Moseley and Clifton narrowly conquered
A Luke Graham brace kept the momentum going with a 31-28 home success against Birmingham Moseley.
The Midlanders hit the front as Tighe Maxwell-Whiteley converted a Sam McNulty maul score, only for Rams to hit back.
And they led 21-7 at the break with Graham’s double and a Charlie Robson try making the difference, Cooke with three successful kicks.
Yet the Birmingham back row duo of Morgan Dawes and skipper Ollie Stedman both touched down early in the second half.
Two more conversions from Maxwell-Whiteley levelled matters at 21-21.
Cooke landed a penalty to nudge Rams back in front before Hayman powered over.
And man-of-the-match Cooke was on target for 31-21.
Will Safe’s injury-time seven-pointer snared a brace of points for Mose.
MacRae’s fine start to the season continued as he bagged a brace in a 21-14 victory at Clifton.
The ex-Oratory School scholar opened the scoring with Cooke adding the extras for 7-0 at the break.
And the same duo doubled the advantage before Clifton struck via Ollie Harris, Tom Quinlan halving the deficit.
The scores were then level when Tom Hatch mauled over, Quinlan again on target.
But Graham produced a brilliant finish, matched by Cooke’s conversion and a fine late rearguard, to ensure victory for the Berkshire Boys.
Red card helps Blackheath home
In the final game of an eight-match block, Robson’s early red card proved costly as Blackheath won 26-5 at Old Bath Road.
A lovely Clow finish put Rams in front only for Club to punish the 14 men.
Record-breaking try-scorer Billy Harding rode a maul over before Raff Hollister dotted down.
Matt Dalrymple converted the first and Harding’s second for 19-7 at half-time.
Star man Finn Osborne secured the Blackheath try bonus, Dalrymple again landing.
And while Rams battled, they never truly looked like pulling off a stunning comeback.
*Season tickets are now on sale with supporters able to save some 15 per cent on matchday prices by booking before August 23. To buy, click here
Earlier in the Year
