Dave Cox’s side started brilliantly, serving up an early try-of-the-season contender as some powerful running and slick handling saw the hosts go from inside their own 22 before JJ McCarthy finished in the right-hand corner.

Jordan Navetta landed a fine conversion, and it was not long until the second try arrived, outstanding flanker Teagan Strydom crossing the whitewash.

The extras were added before Navetta lashed a long-range penalty over to make it 17-0 after 15 minutes.

Marlow, though, posted a warning of their capabilities with a ferocious maul powering over from some 10 metres out.

Rams responded quickly, however, inside centre Jake Bruton – who oozed class throughout – scything through the opposition defence for a sublime solo score.

Another followed soon after, wing Josh Gouws showing searing pace and a phenomenal inside step to eventually dive behind the posts for a 65-metre special.

The hosts were now brimming with confidence, and their fifth try was another corker, fly-half Sam Rodger threading a grubber through which Henry Cook collected inside his own half before running it home.

With Navetta converting both to take his first-half tally to 11 points, Rams led 36-5 at the interval.

The second period proved more of a slow burner as Rams’ discipline began to wane slightly, Marlow battling gamely and enjoying far more of the ball.

However, it was Rams who moved further ahead at the start of the final quarter, Rodger serving up another bit of individual brilliance as he jinked his way past several defenders before dotting down for another converted try.

And with time running out, debutant replacement Will Luff added an extra gloss to the scoreline with a fine finish, Navetta bringing up the half-century as he continued his fine afternoon from the tee.

Rams travel to Beaconsfield in the second round on Sunday, October 19.