The Rams and Hoggets took on Cooma at Victoria on Saturday in front of a good home crowd. First grade were ousted by the Red Devils 24-13, while a determined Hoggets were narrowly beaten 22-12.

The Hoggets had very little field position for most of the match. Some impressive kicking by full-back James Dawes provided occasional healthy ball in good territory. Captain Nathan Cooke crashed over to open the Hoggets account. Dawes later crossed in the corner for the team’s second try.

Showing commitment and improving skills, the impressive Hoggets were not quite good enough to topple the Devils.

The young Hoggets team are improving with every week and the more times they get to training the better off they will be. One senses a win is not to far away. Captain Cooke was given three points, while hard-man Justin Taylor was voted players’ player.

First grade also had a hard battle, tightly fought battle with Cooma. Cooma finished the stronger on the back of disciplined Rugby and a mountain of possession.

The Rams open the scoring through the boot of half-back Luke Donnelly, who landed a penalty from 35 metres.

Rams full-back Billy Arms crossed for the first try at ‘Ram Park’ in 2008 and his second for the year. Billy has made the change from wing to fullback with great ease this season, playing good football on the end of a very classy Rams backline. Donnelly added the extras taking the lead to 10-0.

Cooma finished the half off with a timely try of their own. Half-time; Rams 10, Cooma 5.

The Rams started the second half with all out attack. Somehow, Cooma held on.

Donnelly knocked over another penalty goal extending the Rams’ lead to 13-5.

This was the end of the Rams scoring and the beginning of the Cooma fight back.

Cooma began to control the match, with tactical kicking placing the Rams under siege.

The weight of possession and good field position to Cooma saw them come home the stronger, running in three late to take the points 24-13.

Dan Farthing received three points for another strong game, while centre Brett Waters won the players’ player award.

The Rams take on arch rivals Hall Bushrangers and the Hoggets competition new comer’s the mighty Wests Rugby at Hall on Saturday May 24 from 1:30pm