The Rams are the only team to beat the two-time reigning premiers in the past two seasons.

Moree lost only once in 2014, to Armidale early in the season and up until Saturday were undefeated in 2015, but the Rams caused a huge 22-18 upset to throw premiership favouritism in disarray.

“It was a really good performance,” Rams’ president Terry Carson said.

“Exactly what we needed.

“The boys were ecstatic.”

Armidale second rower Gary Quinlan was at his rampaging best in the opening half.

His two early tries and another to Anthony Strong handed the Rams an early 14-nil lead.

The Rangs hit back shortly after with two tries of their own to claw the deficit back to 14-8. Semi Rarawa scored on the half-time bell to give the Rams a 18-8 lead at the break.

An early second half try to the Rangs was offset by one to Rams’ captain-coach Clarrie Moran to see the score at 22-14. Moree attempted a late comeback with a try with nine minutes to go, but the Armidale defence held strong in the dying stages to secure a memorable 22-18 win.

Carson attributed their success against the Rangs to their mindset.

“We aren’t intimidated by them,” he said.

“The boys really get up to play them.”

Defence has been an area that has let the Rams down in recent weeks, but Carson couldn’t have been happier with their effort on that side of the ball on Saturday.

“Our defence was great,” he said. “And then when we had the ball we rolled through them in the middle.

“It’s the best I’ve ever seen us defend to be honest.”

Carson cited Moran and centre Mikey Ware as his side’s best, while Aaron Fox also impressed at hooker in his first game in the top grade in 2015.