The reigning premiers resumed at 2-70 and were chasing St Kilda's 159. Wickets tumbled early with the ever-consistent Tom Stray (53) holding down on one end and keeping the Rams on track.

Enter St Kilda bowlers Michael Beer (4-61) and Dan Babula (3-43). Together Beer and Babula tore through a rattled Rams' line-up to have the visitors languishing at 8-147.

The 65-over spell, including Beer's 30 overs on the trot, consisted of 29 maidens.

St Kilda, having already disposed of three Kings, had no answers for a defiant Daniel King (40 not out) and paceman Steve Gilmour (22no), helping the Rams to victory.

The match was called off at tea with Ringwood at 8-197.

Rams' skipper Matt Gale, thankful for the win, is keen

for his side to make amends before next Saturday's clash against the Dandenong Panthers.

"We didn't start off the way we wanted to - St Kilda set a good field and bowled well - we didn't get the momentum early that we wanted."

Under intense pressure from Beer and Babula, the Rams continued to lose wickets through the middle order and were unable to put on a solid partnership.

"Definitely didn't want to win in that fashion, but good to get the win on the board and we have plenty to work on.

"St Kilda starved us of runs and we had no answers - we have a little bit of work to do to make sure we react to tight bowling."