REDINGENSIANS were made to work before sealing a fifth consecutive National Two South bonus-point win, overcoming a gritty effort from basement boys Wimbledon in sealing a 24-13 success in London.

Rams started superbly and it took only three minutes for the ball to be spun out to Jordan Souter to cross out wide before converting the try himself.

Things got even better for the visitors when Olly Poole scored his second try in as many weeks having recovered from injury.

But Wimbledon showed they would not roll over when cutting the gap to 14-5 with a try from a rolling maul on the 10-minute mark. James Doe’s excellent touchline conversion reduced the deficit further to just seven points Not to be outdone, the Rams’ pack – which has been outstanding all season – replicated that effort just four minutes later, captain Robbie Stapley the man to dot down.

Redingensians dominated the next 10 minutes as Stapley and his brother Connor – along with man of the match Olly Foxley – led a wave of relentless attacks which Wimbledon did superbly to repel.

Yet it was the hosts who would add to their points tally before the interval, Matt Gilbert very nearly going over in the corner before two Doe penalties ensured the gap at the break was only six points at 19-13.

Rams started the second half brightly with Foxley again looking dangerous in the backline and Colin Thompson stealing the hosts’ line-out ball efficiently.

Wimbledon suffered a further set-back when replacement scrum half Rhys Morgan was yellow carded, but they continued to battle despite their numerical disadvantage.

Indeed, had Doe not missed a kickable penalty to reduce the gap to three points, Rams would have been under even more pressure.

Yet Seb Reynolds’ men held their nerve and produced a carbon-copy of their third try in the final stages – Ben Henderson the man to take the honours – as they sealed the bonus-point.

Fourth-placed Redingensians welcome Cornwall-based Redruth – three points and one place below them – to Old Bath Road on Saturday (2pm).