RAMS hooker Ben Henderson celebrated his 100th appearance for the club in style as he scored his 14th try of the season in their 36-21 home win against Old Albanians, writes Richard Ashton.

The 26-year-old trainee lawyer has been one of the stars of the show as the Old Bath Road club have surged 15 points clear at the top of National Two South, but he modestly admitted his teammates deserve just as much credit.

He told the Chronicle: "It’s a big achievement for me and my friends here. I’ve been here for a number of years now, and the biggest testament is it’s not just my 100th game, but a number of boys are getting into the 90s, and whatever people say we’ve got a real team who have been together for a long time.

"We’ve gone from being pretty much down-and-out relegation candidates to promotion candidates with the same group of boys, so it says a lot for the team and the coaching staff."

He continued: "A number of boys played in the national-winning Berkshire Under 20s and the aim was to keep the boys together. Everyone’s from pretty much within a 10-mile radius bar one or two and while some live in London now, they’re all from the area. Everyone plays as a community and there’s no-one here for the money, they’re here to be with the boys."

The former Oratory School rugby captain is part of a pack which is widely regarded as the best in the division, and Henderson joked it means he has an easy role, stating: "It means I don’t have to push.

"The pack set us up every game and after we lost down at Old Albanians with a slightly weakened side and a few people missing, today was a chance to prove there isn’t a pack who can live with us.

"We have such a good set-piece that there are always opportunities, but it was nice to get a try from a pick-and-go."

Reflecting on his favourite memory of 100 games, Henderson only had to look back a week, though said that could change by the end of the campaign.

He admitted: "Last week at Henley was as good as it gets – few games can be as special as that. For me, I was a mini there from U7s up before Rams took me on and gave me the chance and I like to think I’ve repaid them.

"If we win the title I’d like to think that day will overturn it, though."

Tributes poured into Henderson, who received a standing ovation having been substituted following his try, with head coach Seb Reynolds stating: "He’s been brilliant. He’s one of many guys who’ve come through the local system and are playing really good rugby.

"He’s a special player and it’s great to watch him, although I don’t always agree with what he does – especially when he kicks.

"He’s a frustrated fly-half, but a fantastic rugby player and I commend him on reaching 100 caps."

Rams CEO Gary Reynolds added: "Aside from making a huge contribution to Rams’ success, Ben is a first-class ambassador for the club and the sport generally, and also a perfect role model for youngsters because he demonstrates high levels of skill in all facets of the game, including kicking – although I reckon our coaches would rather, he kept that skill in his back pocket."