Hungerford hold their own despite defeat to champions Rams

Hungerford suffered a bruising 36-3 defeat at home to Counties 2 Tribute BBO South leaders Rams, who were crowned champions following their victory.

Hosts Hungerford were given a pre-match boost when Dave McAteer, Berkshire's RFU representative, presented chairman Andy Sparkes with the Berkshire team-of-the-month award for February.

The home side made most of the early running, thwarting an early Rams attack, regaining possession thanks to a smart steal from Lucas Kealing and gaining ground after a barrelling run by Gareth Morgan.

Henry Mills then sent a searching kick deep into Rams territory and Hungerford had a penalty after the defender was penalised for not releasing under pressure from Ashley Stokes, which Josh Pearce kicked from all of 45 metres.

Rams didn't get on the scoresheet until 10 minutes before the break but thereafter showed some of the form that's seen them win 17 of their 18 games this season, running in 29 points in the second half.

Nevertheless, fourth placed Hungerford, who went close to scoring through Dan Holley and Will Sparkes, put in a performance to be proud of and can go into next weekend's game at home to Slough full of confidence before finishing the season against Beaconsfield.