PLAYING on the common, Minchinhampton Rams enjoyed a day to remember against rivals Civil Service.

Captain Greg Fisher elected to play uphill rather than into the sun, and Minch’s backs ran at Service with panache from the start, Ollie Payne and Jamie Weaver scything through the defence then Eoghan Graves completing an attack down the left wing.

Minch fielded kick-offs poorly, and Service’s experienced forwards bulldozed over the line twice, but Minch continued the daring rugby; from a Service attack in the Minch 22, Whittemore was released for a 75 metre try down the left wing, then Payne and young German debutant Luca tore through the defence.

Forwards French, Atkins and Anderson were prominent, and Payne deservedly scored his hat-trick - also converting five tries - before Graves, Luca and finally Sam Payne completed the try-haul to cap a memorable performance by the Rams.