Redingensians Rams 2016-17 season in National League 2 South came to an end against Taunton Titans; the same team as they’d faced at the very start of their seasonal campaign.

However, from Taunton’s perspective at least, Redingensians Rams were a different side to the one they’d seen back in September. While they may have recognised a few of the Redingensian stalwarts; Ben Henderson, James Baker, Craig Nightingale, Tom Vooght and Jordan Souter being the only men to play in both games against the Somerset side, the oppressive team rugby played by Rams’ first XV would have been less familiar. The end result saw Taunton narrowly clinch victory with a 33-32 scoreline and the home and away side maintain their positions in the table with 4th and 6th place respectively.

Taunton Titans started the game with an advantage after Freddie Fraser scored in the 2nd minute following an immediate penalty and kick for the corner. Gary Kingdom, the 4th highest point scorer in NL2S history, converted this. Jacob Atkins returned the favour for the opposition’s posts and scored a penalty for Rams a few moments later.

Taunton worked quickly in the ruck and dangerously with a rapid back line. Their early challenges eventually saw Conor Harbison score after a penalty kick to lineout. This went unconverted for 12-3 10 minutes in.

Rams’ first try came after a chip by Jacob Atkins and a blistering run from Jordan Souter and Olly Foxley. Tom Vooght eventually finished the attempt, working from the back of the famous Ram-pack rolling maul. Jacob Atkins picked up the extras and, a few moments later, another 3 points via penalty kick.

Although Ben Henderson had a hopeful try late into the half this was pulled back due to crossing. Instead Conor Corrigan fixed the half-time scoreboard, scoring after some impressive movement by Greg Illingworth, Tom Vooght and Ollie Taylor. Atkins won the extras again for 12-20 in Rams’ favour at the whistle.

Rams’ lead didn’t last too long after the interval due to 3 successive Taunton tries early in the second half. Arron Gibbs, Freddie Fraser and Sam Prior all found avenues around a sterling defence from the Reading side. Kingdom converted all 3 to set Taunton ahead with an optimistic 33-20 scoreline with 20 minutes still to play.

Rams hadn’t had a quiet half: Sam Guttridge, Steven Bryant and James Baker had made attempts after breaking through Taunton’s defensive line. The final tries of the day were both scored by the pack, with Craig Nightingale and Greg Drew putting the final points on for Rams. The second of these was converted by Atkins for a tantalisingly tight 33-32 final score.

Rams end their season in 6th with a total of 16 wins and 87 points. It’s been a year spent competing with some of the toughest rugby that the south of England can offer and, evidenced by their high number of standout performances, narrow defeats and heroic victories, Redingensians Rams have proved themselves to not only be challenging the hard-hitters in this category, but also championing them.

Report by Matt McCrory
Photo by Paul Clark

Redingensians Rams:
Tries: Vooght 23; Corrigan 39; Nightingale 65; Drew 80
Conversions: Atkins 23, 39, 80
Penalties: Atkins 4, 32

Taunton Titans:
Tries: Fraser 2, 50; Harbison 11; Gibbs 48; Prior 61
Conversions: Kingdom 3, 48, 50, 61

Redingensians Rams:
15 - Guttridge
14 - Foxley
13 - Bryant
12 - Souter
11 - Corrigan
10 - Atkins
9 - Illingworth
1 - Ball
2 - Henderson
3 - Baker
4 - Allen
5 - Taylor
6 - Crame
7 - Vooght
8 - Stapley (c)

Replacements:
16 - McDonnell-Roberts
17 - Drew
18 - Amor
19 - Nightingale
20 - Cole

Taunton Titans:
15 - Kingdom
14 - Massy-Birch
13 - Mason (c)
12 - Fraser
11 - Prior
10 - Landray
9 - Webb
1 - Chase
2 - Gatford
3 - Tribble
4 - Lonsdale
5 - Lugg
6 - Gobbs
7 - Harbison
8 - Lawday

Replacements:
16 - Spurdle
17 - Rhodes
18 - Siddle
19 - Hooper
20 - East