REDINGENSIANS Rams skipper Dan Barnes hailed the 20-11 victory over Clifton as a big step forward in their fight against National Two South relegation.

He said: “There was a hunger about our performance. We were hungry to hit and hungry to win. Everyone was enjoying the battle.”

Rams showed those determined qualities by clinching the spoils in the last minute.

Samir Kharbouch grabbed a try after his side had been defending a two-point lead for the previous half hour.

He rounded off a move down the right flank involving George Drury and Conor Corrigan for Spike Chandler to add a touchline conversion.

But it was James Mackay, with a ninth-minute penalty, who put Clifton ahead before Chandler replied immediately.

The 33-year-old, now just 24 short of the thousand league points milestone, nudged the Reading side in front with his second kick after Mackay had received a yellow card at a breakdown near his own line.

That gave Rams impetus and just before the break,

No. 8 Robbie Stapley beat three defenders to score after some sharp build-up work, Chandler adding the extras.

Clifton had their best spell of the match just after half time, with Rams losing a key man, tight head James Baker, who was suffering from a shoulder injury.

Mackay slotted over a penalty before hooker David Wheeler went over for a catch-and-drive score.

The match developed into a war of attrition, both sides having periods of ascendancy with the Bristol side’s backs looking dangerous at times.

But Rams stuck manfully to their task as their defence and especially centre Steve Bryant made crucial tackles before Kharbouch’s late strike.

Chandler’s conversion left it impossible for the visitors to make up the nine-point gap with little time remaining.

In an outstanding team performance, there were several players who caught the eye, among them hooker Ben Henderson and blindside Kharbouch.

RAMS coach Mike Tewkesbury insists his men must maintain a positive approach and build on their victory against Clifton.

They travel to Kent on Saturday to take on Old Elthamians (2.30pm), who are sixth in the table and kicked a late penalty to beat strugglers Launceston 20-17 away last week.

Tewkesbury said: “In the circumstances we have done well this season. Injuries have meant we have used 45 players so far.

“However I’m convinced we are turning the corner and can beat OEs to avenge the narrow defeat at our place in October.”

In a 27-24 reverse Rams were punished for indiscipline. They lost Ollie Poole and Andy Amor to yellow cards in the second half when in front and had to be satisfied with two bonus points.

Rams make just one change from the side which beat Clifton, with the returning Olly Foxley replacing Jamar Richardson at full-back.

Scrum-half Jack Hill has recovered from concussion sustained against Taunton and is named on the bench.

BERKSHIRE under-20s play Cornwall in their opening County Championship group match at Old Bath Road on Sunday (2pm).