RAMS RFC outclassed lowly Guernsey Raiders as they continued their relentless march towards the National Two South title with a 59-8 romp in the Channel Islands, writes Richard Ashton.

Seb Reynolds' table-toppers remain 16 points clear of second-placed Canterbury after running in nine tries as they extended their club record winning run to 17 matches.

It took just three minutes for the visitors to showcase their trademark power in the pack, a rolling maul leading towards the try line before No. 8 Jamie Guttridge peeled off the back and brushed aside a couple of would-be defenders before stretching over the whitewash. Alex Seers made no mistake with the conversion and Rams led 7-0.

The home side battled bravely and stopped their opponents from extending the lead until the 17th minute, when a magnificent Seers miss-pass found Conor Corrigan on the left wing, the in-form flyer finishing with aplomb.

Guernsey reduced the arrears with a 25th-minute penalty, but it was Rams who moved further in front when they scored their third try just after the half-hour mark.

The away side patiently went through the phases inside the Raiders' 22 before Seers fired the ball to Anrew Humberstone, the centre in turn finding Corrigan to go over for his second afternoon. Seers knocked over the kick to make it 19-3.

The try bonus-point arrived five minutes before the interval with a wonderful free-flowing move, Rams racing from inside their own 22 into their opponents before Joe Duffelen's inside ball allowed scrum-half Greg Illingworth to cross for his side's fourth try.

Although Seers failed from the tee, the impressive Rams were in complete control going into half-time.

There was no let-up from the leaders at the start of the second half, prolific try-scoring hooker Ben Henderson stretching over the line after a concerted period of pressure featuring a series of pick-and-goes. With Seers converting, Rams led 31-3.

The sixth try for the visitors arrived in the 55th minute, an excellent break from Humberstone enabling Duffelen to collect his pass and sprint over under the uprights.

Raiders continued to show their heart and also a willingness to throw the ball around, but this proved costly on the hour mark when a dropped ball allowed substitute Craig Nightingale to hoover up before racing away to touch down. Seers made it five from seven off the tee as his side extended their advantage to 42 points.

Guernsey got the try their bravery and enterprise deserved just three minutes later, but Rams kept going themselves and ensured they had the final word with two further scores.

Firstly on 73 minutes the visiting pack turned over a Raiders scrum, allowing Ross Crame to pick the ball up and barrel over, replacement Tom Humberstone also deadly accurate with the conversion.

And they grabbed their ninth score of the afternoon three minutes from the final whistle, a slick backs move halted just short of the line before Guttridge powered his way over from close range to cap a fine performance with his second try of the day.

Rams remain 16 points clear of Canterbury following their 20th win in 21 games, but are now 22 points clear of third-placed Tonbridge Juddians and Taunton Titans, the latter of whom have a game in hand on the leaders after their trip to fifth-placed Henley Hawks (74 points from 20 games) was postponed due to snow on Friday.

Rams will hope to take another decisive step towards silverware when they travel to Juddians this coming Saturday, before they return to the Old Bath Road ground at home to Old Redcliffians the following week.