NATIONAL Two South title favourites Rams lost their club record 17-match winning run when they were edged out 25-19 at promotion hopefuls Tonbridge Juddians on Saturday.

It was the third-placed hosts who started on the front foot, a Will Robinson penalty putting them in front before Murray Galbraith-Lowe collected a cross-field kick and dotted down for the first try of the afternoon.

The hosts suffered a setback when Charlie Edwards was sin-binned, and Rams took full advantage as skipper Tom Vooght went over from close range, Tom Humberstone converting.

Seb Reynolds' side then moved in front when hooker Ben Henderson crashed over after several phases of play inside their opponents' 22, but it was Tonbridge who had the final say before the break, another Robinson penalty cutting the deficit to 12-11.

The third quarter proved a pointless stalemate, but it was the hosts who moved in front with 15 minutes remaining.

Finlay Coxon-Smith made ground down the right before off-loading deftly to Duncan Tout, who did the same to find Toby May who went over under the posts.

Robinson converted to extend the Juddians' advantage to 18-12, but Rams responded well as they launched a wave of attacks against the hosts.

However, after Tonbridge stole a line-out and cleared their lines, they made their decisive move with 10 minutes remaining as after the forwards went through the phases, the ball made its way to Tout to score.

Robinson added the extras and Rams were facing the prospect of defeat.

To their credit, the visitors ensured they left with a losing bonus-point as Conor Corrigan went over with the last play of the game, Humberstone's conversion drawing them to within seven points of their ecstatic hosts.

Despite seeing his side's lengthy unbeaten run end, Reynolds was philosophical in defeat and said: “It was a very good performance from Tonbridge Juddians.

"They were highly motivated to stay in the hunt and played some good rugby.

"We weren’t quite at the races and this league is full of quality teams who want to perform week-in, week-out."

He continued: "We dropped our level and allowed a top side to take the spoils, although I was proud of the way we got the bonus point at the end.

"The players off the bench added real energy and provided good front foot ball.

"All in all though, credit must go to Tonbridge Juddians who thoroughly deserved the victory and I thought Will Robinson especially was outstanding for them.

"Our task now is to refocus as a group and prepare for a very tough side in Old Redcliffians.”

Rams return to Old Bath Road against Old Redcliffians on Saturday (2pm).