RUGBY: Captain Beaumont pleased by Rams' display against strong Old Cents side

A STRONG Minchinhampton Rams team was outmanoeuvred and outwitted by an even stronger Old Centralians side.

For the first 20 minutes Minchinhampton were pinned back in their 22 as Old Cents scented early points with their impressively large pack.

The Rams valiantly defended their try line with some determined tackles and rucking. However, Old Cents eventually scored in the corner by spinning the ball through their backs.

Nevertheless, the Rams upped the ante and eased back into the game with some strong forward mauling which allowed John Sparkhall to peel off and power his way over to score. Old Cents play decent rugby, though, and were a constant threat with their strong scrummaging and well-drilled line-outs, serving up clean ball to their backs.

The Rams had four over 50s, a handful of teenagers, and many players out of position, so this was a quintessential Rams game. They kept the scoreboard ticking over, though, as Tom Jenns scored two thoroughly deserved tries with some fast and powerful running.

The final try was particularly pleasing, as Niall Kimber made a strong run through the Old Cents back line, off-loading to Jenns, who shimmied through the defence then in turn off-loaded to Gino Beaumont who shock off two defenders to score under the posts.

The front row and the pack stood up well to their strong counterparts, and when Tom Fox and Fraser Smith had the ball in hand, they made some big territorial gains.

Overall, Rams’ captain Beaumont was pleased with the team display against a well-drilled Gloucester side that had won by a much greater margin last year.