A FOURTH consecutive bonus-point victory lifted Redingensians Rams to fourth in the National Two South table after they accounted for Barnstaple 33-10 at Old Bath Road on Saturday.

The hosts started brightly and dominated the early exchanges, going in front in the 10th minute with their seventh penalty try of the season as the Rams pack took control of a scrum near the opposition line.

Barnstaple prop Danny Southworth was also sin-binned, with the visitors in danger of being blown away early on.

However, determined not to go down without a fight, they reacted well with a darting attacking run from Luke Berry, which resulted in a penalty which was converted well by Jordan Petherbridge.

However, Gensians re-established themselves when, just as it seemed the Rams may be stagnating close to the opposition's try line, Conor Corrigan broke and brilliantly side-stepped his opposite number to acrobatically stretch the ball over the line. Tom Humberstone added the extras to put Rams 14-3 in front.

Barnstaple came within touching distance of increasing their tally around the 25-minute mark, only for a resilient Rams defence to be led out of danger powerfully by man of the match Robbie Stapley.

It seemed as if Rams would head into half time without suffering any further damage as their organised defence held back the high-energy attacking zeal of Barnstaple. But just before half time Stevie Bryant was sent to the sin bin for foul play and the away side capitalised with a converted Jarrard Hayler try.

Leading 14-10 at the interval, it became clear immediately in the second half the Rams were fired up following a huge hit from Connor Stapley, which got the crowd on their feet.

Although Gensians were perhaps a little too eager as they were snatching at the ball and were let down close to the line on two occasions due to sloppy handling, but they quickly rectified this as a skillful pass from Jordan Souter opened up space for Olly Foxley to run the ball in on the 53-minute mark.

The ever-reliable Rams pack began to get the crowd going again as their superior fitness began to shine through, and following two close-cut chances for Corrigan he demonstrated some intelligent play to take Barnstaple into touch within their own 22.

This resulted in a typical Rams move off a line-out and drive to the line with Andy Berry placing the ball over the line as the Reading men secured their well-deserved bonus point.

They weren’t finished there, though, as Olly Poole – returning from ACL surgery – demonstrated some electric pace to score in the corner following a precise and accurate passing move.

Humberstone converted the try well from a tight angle to make the score 33-10 and Rams comfortably saw out the game.

Redingensians visit bottom side Wimbledon on Saturday (2.30pm).