A DEPLETED Rams suffered their first defeat of the National Two South season as they fell to an 18-10 reverse at Old Albanians.

On a wet and windy day it was the home side who made the initial breakthrough, a Dan Watt penalty in the eighth minute, although Jamar Richardson levelled matters with one of his own for Rams just before the quarter-of-an-hour mark.

In a game of small margins, Old Albanians made a decisive play when wing Alexander Ricci grabbed a lightning interception off a misplaced Rams pass, and his 30-yard unhindered dash saw the score into double figures when Tom Bednall added the conversion. The two sides continued to battle gamely, but it was the hosts who extended their advantage and grabbed a psychological edge when Bednall added another penalty on the stroke of half-time.

Things got worse for the away side early in the second period as a superb piece of attacking interplay from Ricci and full back Alex Noot – aided by a couple of missed tackles – allowed the latter to race in for a brilliant score from 35 yards out. Although Bednall was unable to add the extras, Albanians now had a 15-point lead.

The game continued to be a gritty affair, and with a number of stoppages throughout the second period, it ran to almost an hour of playing time.

Rams gave themselves a feint chance of a losing bonus-point with a penalty try with a minute remaining, but they could not breach the stubborn home defence again and left empty-handed.

The result means Rams drop to third, a point below leaders Taunton Titans and behind Bury St Edmunds – the visitors at Old Bath Road in what should prove a cracker this Saturday (2.30pm) – on points scored.

  • IN THE BB&O Championship, Berkshire Shire Hall were thumped 79-5 at Abingdon.

Matt Margot's men host Aldermaston on Saturday.