Rams deservedly took the spoils in a game where their pack was just too strong for a Lions pack all aged 21 and under.

Due to heavy rain in the morning, the game had to be moved to the back pitches, and with both a smaller pitch and slippery conditions, any chance of an expansive game was diminished.

Credit to Rams though who scored their first try on 6 minutes having moved the ball wide for impressive winger Oliver Rhoads to crash over. Michael Cooke converting (0-7).

The Lions hit back almost immediately and Bronson Mellowes continued his recent run of try scoring by powering over. Luke Bouchier's conversion levelled the scores (7-7).

The visitors hit back just minutes later though, the impressive hooker Max Hayman scoring from close range (7-12).

The Lions had a period of pressure which led to a yellow card for Rams. The Lions decided to take the pragmatic approach this week - Bouchier slotting the three points - but not exiting from the resulting kick off gave Rams the opportunity to respond and Hayman grabbed his second. Cooke converted to give his side a 10-19 lead at the interval.

Hayman completed his hat-trick shortly after the break from a powerful Rams driving maul. Cooke was on target again (10-26).

When Jake Sterland was adjudged to have played the ball from an offside position he was yellow carded. Rams kicked to the corner and unloaded another powerful maul which led to a penalty try. To make things worse for the Lions, Bronson Mellowes was yellow carded for bringing the maul down, so the Lions were down to 13. (10-33)

During this period the Lions did well to manage the game with two men short but conceded another maul try, Hayman's fourth, just after the yellow cards were up (10-38).

To the Lions' credit they rallied and built some real momentum in the last quarter. Cam Scott, on his home debut, was causing problems for the Rams midfield and it appeared the Lions would score after his line-break, only for the last pass not to go to hand.

The Lions did break through with 10 minutes remaining when a good scrum strike led to a Bouchier break and his kick through was pounced on by Sterland to score. Bouchier converted (17-38).

Another score followed late on when another home debutant, Joe Plunkett, finished off a Lions maul try of their own. Bouchier added the extras but the final whistle prevented the Lions from chasing a bonus point fourth score.

FT 24-38

Head coach Gareth Collins commented: ''It was a tough afternoon for both sides to be fair. It was always going to be tough in those conditions, but especially on the much smaller pitch. It became a purely battle and unfortunately Rams won that. They dominated the collisions and their set piece gave them access to the areas where they could hurt us. I'm proud again of how our young group stood up to the challenge but it's important that we learn from these experiences, and learn quickly.''