REDINGENSIANS Rams produced a heroic performance before falling to an agonising 36-33 defeat at National Two South champions elect Bishop’s Stortford, writes Matt McCrory.

The hosts came under early pressure and eventually conceded a try to loosehead Will Roberts, converted by Tom Banks.

An immediate comeback saw Rams return with a try of their own. Aggressive pushes by Robbie Stapley and Steven Bryant gave the visitors momentum and Ben Henderson completed a storming push-over. Controversy dogged Jacob Atkins’ conversion attempt, with spectators and one touch judge believing it was successful and the other believing it was not. The points were left off.

The stand-off did put his side in front shortly afterwards, though, collecting his own chip ahead he dotted down before successfully adding the extras to make it 12-7 at the 25-minute mark.

Rams were reduced to 14 men when Henderson was sin-binned for entering a ruck illegally, and they conceded tries to Steve Ball and Nick Hankin – the latter converted – as Stortford took command.

With Steve Bryant also then carded, the hosts collected their bonus point and went into the break 26-12 to the good after Jimmy Rea went over for a converted score.

Redingensians started the second half well and with Ross Crame, Phil Hoy and James Baker carrying powerfully, Henderson was able to crash over for his second try of the day, Atkins converting.

Yet Hankin’s pace again came back to haunt Rams as he scorched away for an interception try, Banks knocking over another kick before he became the third player to be sin-binned for playing the ball off of his feet.

The final 20 minutes of the match highlighted Rams’ determination and demonstrated some of their toughest rugby of the season.

Constant pressure soon earned Rams their fourth try of the day through Conor Corrigan, who scored in the far left corner.

Atkins knocked over his trickiest conversion of the day and put the team within touching distance of Bishop’s Stortford at 33-26 down.

The final try of the day was scored by Greg Illingworth, who completed the move following a fantastic break by Henderson. A tense atmosphere ensued after Atkins added the extras and set up a frantic last five minutes.

End-to-end, nail-biting rugby provided some of the most entertaining play of the season, but ultimately left Rams unsatisfied when a last-play Banks penalty gave Stortford a narrow win.

After a week off, Rams play their last home game of the season against Worthing on Saturday, April 22.