NATIONAL Two South title favourites Rams returned to winning ways with a fine 31-15 home victory against Old Redcliffians on Saturday, writes Richard Ashton.

Seb Reynolds' table-toppers had lost their 17-match club record-winning run at Tonbridge Juddians the week before, but responded in style to run in five tries to stay 12 points clear at the top of the table with eight games remaining.

On a day when captain Tom Vooght made his 100th appearance for the club, Reynolds said: "Last week was last week and this week we took on a really strong Old Reds team and we did a good job. I was very pleased with the platform which was laid in the first half.

"It was a very good performance. Old Reds are a really good side who've had some really good results and we really had to look at where their strengths lie and how we took them on.

"I'd also like to say a huge congratulations to Tom Vooght and all he's done for the club. He's taken on the captaincy and he's doing a fantastic job."

After having a try disallowed for a forward pass inside the opening 10 minutes, the hosts' pack made the breakthrough just after the quarter-of-an-hour mark, a trademark powerful scrum forcing a penalty try and a 7-0 lead.

The Old Reds defence held firm against a strong rolling maul shortly after, but it did not take Rams long to extend their advantage, using the same tactic to enable Ross Crame to crash over. Andrew Humberstone landed the extras to make it 14-0.

The third try arrived on 31 minutes, Rams going through the phases before spinning the ball wide for wing Conor Corrigan to touch down, and the try bonus-point was secured four minutes before the interval when impressive young centre Ellis Jones crashed through a pair of would-be defenders for his side's fourth of the afternoon.

A breathtaking Rams try arrived six minutes into the second half, wing Jak Rossiter fielding a ball before releasing full-back Joe Duffelen to go the length of the field for a magnificent solo effort. Humberstone re-found his range from the tee and the hosts were in complete control at 31-0 in front.

However, that was the last time the Old Bath Road side were able to add to their tally, with Old Reds showing impressive resolve to come back bravely.

Firstly, the division's top try-scorer, Henry Bird, went over for his 22nd of a highly productive campaign, with another score coming just before the hour-mark.

Rams' Connor Stapley received a yellow card in the final 10 minutes, and while Reds added a third try, the home side held on for a comfortable victory.

Rams travel to Bristol-based Dings Crusaders on Saturday, March 2.