Rams progress in pulsating national cup clash

RAMS edged a pulsating National Colts Cup last 32 home affair as they knocked Windsor Colts.

The visitors, unbeaten this season and topping OBB Division 1, looked ominous from the outset and took the lead with a flowing score finished on the left.

Rams swiftly replied, Jordan Navetta banging over a long-range penalty to reduce the arrears to 5-3.

But it was Windsor who continued to look dangerous, and after spending plenty of time in their opponents’ 22, they eventually got over from close range thanks to number eight Max Cunningham. The extras were added this time, and the two sides continued to go hammer and tongs at one another in what proved to be a scoreless remainder of the first half, Windsor missing a kickable penalty with the final play.

The hosts got back into the contest with the first score after the break, outstanding man-of-the-match Teagan Strydom blasting over from close range.

Navetta was off target with the conversion attempt, but was given a second opportunity with Windsor encroaching before he began his run-up. The fullback made no mistake with a fine nudge from the left to make it a two-point game.

Rams continued to defend manfully against their dangerous visitors, and then hit the front with another close-range score, number eight Byron Crow this time the man to get the ball down.

It was the home side who gave themselves breathing space thanks to a moment of magic from electric wing Josh Gouws.

The South African took the ball in his own half before racing past a would-be defender down the right, then standing up the last line of defence before darting his way in the corner. Windsor won a turnover in midfield and booting the ball long, Rams forced to take it back over their own try-line for a five-metre scrum.

They continued to defend but after Strydom was sin-binned for an accumulation of team red zone offences, the visitors smashed their way over.

The conversion made it
20-19 with one final play to come, Rams winning a breakdown penalty which Navetta landed to add a little extra gloss to an outstanding contest.

Rams are set to take on Dorking in the last 16 on January 18.