REDINGENSIANS Rams produced another power-packed display as they recorded a superb 40-15 National Two South victory at Canterbury on Saturday.

The visitors enjoyed a dream start to the game as Steve Bryant broke and popped the ball off to newcomer Ellis Jones, who ran the ball in calmly in acres of space to put the first points of the afternoon on the board.

The freezing conditions were clearly having an effect on the players as the ball changed hands on numerous occasions over the first 20 minutes, until Canterbury managed to put together a prolonged period of possession, resulting in their winning a penalty within kicking distance and electing to take the three points.

The Reading men seemed to reply almost immediately as Josh Sunley ran the ball into the corner after it had found its was out of the ruck, only to be denied by the referee's whistle as his foot had gone into touch.

And Canterbury took the lead with their opening try when Jake Rigby barrelled over from close range, only for Rams to regain control just before the break, Ben Henderson dotting down at the back of a trademark rolling maul. Tom Humberstone’s conversion made it 12-8 at the break.

Rams lost scrum half Greg Illingworth to what looked a serious injury shortly after the restart, but they received a boost when Rigby was sin-binned.

The away side made the most of their numerical advantage as Henderson crashed over for his second converted score, but Canterbury hit back when centre Ricky Mackintosh stormed through before Ollie Best added the extras.

Leading 19-15 going into the final 20 minutes, Rams put the game to bed with three more converted tries.

Firstly, Robbie Stapley was at the back of yet another formidable Rams’ maul, before Tom Vooght sealed the try bonus point.

The rout was completed – fittingly – with another try for the forwards, second row Ollie Taylor taking the honours before Humberstone slotted the kick with the last play of the game.

Delighted Rams head coach Seb Reynolds said: “This was our best away win as a club. Canterbury are a really good side who play some fantastic rugby. We did a good job shutting down their attack and credit must go to Danny Batty and the defensive work he’s doing.

“It was a clinical and ruthless win that we’re very proud of, as Canterbury is a really tough place to play rugby.”

Rams host Clifton on Saturday (2pm).

  • IN the BB&O Championship Berkshire Shire Hall were beaten 25-15 by Aldermaston.

The Sonning Lane side do not have a game this weekend.