RAMS overcame a dreadful start to topple hosts Leicester Lions 36-19 as they returned to the top of the National One table with victory at Westleigh Park.

Having lost captain Robbie Stapley in the warm-up, things got worse for the Berkshire side as Lions crossed inside two minutes, hooker Arthur Allen firstly spotting a gap in midfield before he powered over from 40 metres out, Luke Bouchier with the extras.

Lively Leicester doubled their tally soon after, some slick handling creating space for wing Toby Cousins to wraparound and cross on the left.

Yet Rams hit back soon after, impressive Bath loanee Jasper Spandler following his four tries against England Under 20s last week with a debut score, the hooker riding a powerful maul for a score added to by stand-in captain Fraser Honey.

The visitors then levelled, Zach Clow originally unable to collect a fine Honey cross-field kick before the wing benefitted from a sublime Axel Kalling-Smith to dive over on the right.

Bouchier missed a penalty to leave things equal at the break, but the visitors turned the screw early in the second period, hammering away at the line before the outstanding Tom Vooght cut a terrific line to burrow over from close range.

Honey made it 19-12, and after Lions’ Simon Johnson was sin-binned for a breakdown infringement, the visiting skipper landed a 40-metre penalty for a 10-point game.

However, Rams then failed to exit properly, allowing their opponents to win a five-metre line-out which eventually ended with replacement Liam Burrows barging over, Bouchier’s kick setting the cat well and truly among the pigeons.

The visitors responded clinically, though, and sealed the deal in the final 10 minutes.

Firstly another strong Kalling-Smith carry got his side on the front foot, a perfectly timed pass from debutant Joe Pannese sending another young gun, Oli Rhoads, over for his first try for the club.

A fabulous Honey touchline conversion settled the nerves, and when man-of-the-match Jake Murray raced away from inside his own 22 for his maiden Rams effort, the game was all but up.

Honey landed another kick, and while Leicester continued to battle bravely, they were unable to snatch a bonus-point as Rams held out for the win.

And with Richmond falling to defeat at a rejuvenated Sale – Rams’ hosts next Saturday (2.30pm) – Seb Reynolds’ men returned to the summit as this fascinating campaign took another twist.