Rams defeated on Toulouse trip

Dewsbury Rams slipped to a third straight defeat in the Kingstone Press Championship, going down 56-2 away to Toulouse Olympique last Saturday.

The Rams showed plenty of early promise and deservedly led through a Paul Sykes penalty goal but once Toulouse found their rhythm, the French side showed their class to run in 10 unanswered tries.

There was further worrying signs for the Rams as Jason Crookes was forced off with a suspected broken leg, scrum half Dominic Speakman suffered a broken thumb and Jack Teanby picked up an ankle injury.

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Mitch Stringer tried to get Dewsbury going forward, while there was a lively display from half-back Sykes, who twice saw dangerous kicks gathered only for Toulouse to race away for long range tries.

Dewsbury were well supported in France and the travelling fans were given early hope when Sykes landed a penalty.

It took Toulouse a while to settle as Dewsbury continued their bright start but the home side eventually clicked as Tony Maurel leapt to gather a dangerous kick from Mark Kheirallah to score, with the latter converting.

The Rams continued to put Toulouse under pressure and were again threatening when Stan Robin intercepted a pass and raced away 90 metres for a try which Kheirallah converted from wide out.

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A passing move was finished off by winger Kuni Minga to score in the corner and Kheirallah kicked the touchline goal.

Dewsbury attempted to hit back and a Sykes kick to the in-goal area was gathered by Constantine Mika. He fed Minga, who raced the length of the field for a wonderful individual try which Kheirallah again improved as the French side led 24-2 at half-time.

Dewsbury were on attack early in the second half but another Sykes kick was gathered 15 metres from his own line by Kheirallah.

The full-back raced 50 metres before sending Minga over for his hat-trick and Kheirallah added his fifth goal.

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Excellent work by Kane Bentley sent Bastien Chanet over next to the posts and another easy goal for Kheirallah.

Rhys Curran and Mika added further Toulouse tries and Canet crossed three minutes from time with Kheirallah converting the latter to top the half-century.

Ader added a 10th try in the final minute, with Kheirallah kicking his eighth goal.

Toulouse: Kheirallah; Maurel, Ader, White, Minga; Mika, Robin; Boyer, Marion, Hepi, Planas, Curran, Bentley. Subs: Bentley, Canet, Puech, Leha.

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Try: Maurel (16), Robin (30), Minga (35, 39, 44), Canet (47, 77), Curran (56), Mika (65), Ader (80).

Goal: Kheirallah (8/10).

Dewsbury Rams: Glover; Potts, Barnes, Crookes, Morton; Sykes, Speakman; Sheriffe, Ward, Strtringer, Walshaw, Hale, Brown. Subs: Tonks, T Adamson, Teanby, Ollett.

Goals: Sykes (1/2).

Referee: Tom Grant.

Attendance: 1,438.