The Div 1 RAMS took on the might of the Sydenham Cardinals on Saturday 1 July in this epic top of the table clash.

The Div 1 RAMS  were looking to make amends from the first round loss against Sydenham four weeks ago. The side had picked up two good bonus point wins over New Brighton (30 - 22) and Christchurch (28 - 20) over the previous two weeks and a victory at home would place them top of the table and a guaranteed semi-final place.

It has often been said that if senior rugby is strong in Christchurch then the Canterbury and Crusaders teams are strong as well. If this match is anything to go by then both representative sides should place well this year . The teams came out knowing it was going to be a physical encounter where mistakes would be punished and accuracy would be the key. 

Lincoln drew first blood with a penalty to B Cameron after a series of phases deep in Sydenham's 22 but they came back and created plenty of opportunities early in the half only to have them snuffed out by the combative Lincoln defence and their own poor finishing. From a line out near the half way Lincoln were able to run a set piece attack move that resulted in a very impressive try to A Burnett that was easily converted by Cameron to have the lead 10 - 0 after 11 minutes.

The Blue and Reds came back strongly to pick up their first try of the day on the wing after some tight pick and goes within the red zone and a well placed pass to finish. Lincoln quickly came back with a structured team try to set up F Hart-Strawbridge for his first of the day and to take the side out to a 15 - 5 half time lead.

Throughout the second half the formidable offensive defence from Lincoln managed to turn over crucial Sydenham ball when they were hot on attack. At the other end of the field B Cameron kept the scoreboard ticking over with a penalty and a opportune drop kick to take the score out to 21 - 5 with less than 20 remaining. 

Sydenham went over with 15 minutes remaining to take the score to 21 - 12 until a well placed cross-field kick put Hart-Strawbridge away for his second and with that the match 26 - 12, the DCL Shield and a place in the semi-finals for the 5th time in as many years. The RAMS take on Burnside this weekend at Burnside Park and in the final match before play-offs they will host Varsity at Lincoln.