SEB Reynolds believes winning National Two South is a 'huge achievement' after Rams secured the title with two games to go, writes Richard Ashton.

The Old Bath Road side ran in seven tries during a 45-21 victory at Clifton on Saturday, leaving them 13 points clear of Canterbury with only 20 left to play for.

Rams have been the dominant force in the division since thrashing the Kent side 44-15 on the opening day of the season, enjoying a remarkable 17-match winning streak which snapped the club record across the middle of the campaign.

And a delighted Reynolds told the Chronicle: "It means an awful lot and we're really proud to be champions – it's a huge achievement in gaining promotion to National One.

"It's been about pushing the club forwards and backing the players who have been fantastic.

"It's been a pleasure to be in the league and it's been so hard. We have so much respect for the other teams and there have been many occasions we could have lost."

Rams have gradually improved since moving into National Two South in the 2015-16 season, battling in the lower reaches of the division for much of the campaign before finishing eighth. They have subsequently finished sixth and third, and Reynolds praised his 'immense' players and coaching staff.

He commented: "Four years ago we were in a relegation battle when we first came into National Two, and the same players – the likes of Ben Henderson, Jamie Guttridge, James Baker – are now champions. It's immense and they deserve all the credit in the world.

"You can have everything right behind the scenes, but they are the ones who have to put their bodies on the line on the field and they've been great. They are genuinely local players playing for the club."

"The coaching staff of Danny Batty, Owen Root and Joe Southwell have been amazing, Max Maxwell our manager, and everyone else."

Rams looked nervous at the outset before a magical individual try from wing Andrew Denham put them in front, Alex Seers converting.

At the start of the second quarter Sean McDonnell-Roberts battered his way over from close range, but Clifton hit back and actually went 14-12 in front on the back of converted tries from Sam Goatley and flanker Shek Sheriff.

But Ben Henderson grabbed a score for Rams before the break, and fellow forwards Jamie Guttridge and Craig Nightingale also went over early in the second period to see Rams into a commanding 31-14 lead.

Hooker Jack Williams went over for a third Clifton try, but it was Rams wing Jak Rossiter who put a gloss on proceedings, crossing the whitewash twice late on to start the party for the away fans.

Reflecting on the game, Reynolds admitted: "We knew it would be a tough game because Clifton are a good side. It was very competitive and that almost made winning it even more special because we were under pressure and our mental approach was tested.

"The players felt some decisions were going against them but Tom Vooght and the other senior guys reacted well and we came through it."

Rams have two remaining games at home to Birmingham & Solihull on Saturday before travelling to likely runners-up Canterbury the week after.

And Reynolds confessed it will be hard having wrapped up the championship.

He revealed: "It will be difficult because when you work to a goal and then achieve it, it's different.

"We're also back at home for our last game and to pick up the trophy, so we want to put on a show for our supporters.

"It gives us a chance to maybe look at a couple of younger lads who haven't had a chance to play in the first team yet, Kieran Leicester has been brilliant for the Titans (2nds), but we're also very respectful of the competition and we want to win our last two games."

Looking further ahead and at the chance to play in the third tier of English rugby for the first time in the club's history, Reynolds revealed Rams will stick to the approach which has seen them progress so far.

He concluded: "We're under no illusions of what we're going into and it's going to be incredibly tough.

"We're really looking forward to re-uniting with the likes of Chinnor and Cinderford, and also the new experiences of travelling up north to the likes of Darlington.

"It's going to be tough, but we'll continue to do things the right way by giving opportunities to our younger players, those playing in the area and lads from the University."