After going through the round stages undefeated, the Rams fell 12-10 to Port Macquarie City in the semi-finals, after what president Terry Carson dubbed “easily our worst performance of the day”.

That set up a grand final showdown between Port City and reigning Group 19 champions Moree Boomerangs, which the Rangs won 18-10 to add another piece of silverware to their bulging trophy cabinet.

The first edition of the Rams’ nines competition was considered a raging success with a large crowd packing into Rugby League Park throughout the day.

“It was a really good day,” Carson said.

“We had a great crowd, we actually ended up running out of food because there were so many people there.”

The Rams kicked off the day in style with a 28-8 win over the Ashford Roosters, followed by a 20-16 win over Cobar and a surprise 14-12 victory over a powerhouse Redfern All Blacks side.

One of Armidale’s favourite sons, Dean Widders suited up for the All Blacks, and starred in their 24-10 win over Cobar, before picking up a leg injury early in their second match.

Armidale’s three group wins saw them finish atop pool A and set up a semi-final clash against Port City, who finished second in pool B.

Port City scored the first two tries to shoot to an 8-nil lead before Mark Walker pegged one back for the Rams.

Another try to Port extended their lead to 12-6, but the Rams were far from dead as captain-coach Clarrie Moran scored in the dying minutes and had the chance to level the scores but the conversion sailed wide.

“We played really well during the pool games,” Carson said.

“There were some good signs there for the year ahead.”

Carson sighted 17-year-old Johnboy Quinlan as the Rams’ best throughout the day, while Ryan Kelly also impressed.