The Rams, fighting for a title three-peat, showed plenty in the rain-affected match, with opener David King (69) again the standout.

Resuming at 1-69, chasing 150, the Rams started well despite storm clouds brewing in the distance.

Newly crowned Ram of the Year Tom Stray (33) again faltered at the resumption of play, adding just three runs to his overnight total.

King on the other hand picked up where he left off tormenting the Essendon attack.

Resuming at 34 not out, King piled on another 35 runs before being caught out, the last wicket to fall.

Rams' keeper Joseph Loorham continued his impressive post-Christmas form to score a handy 28, including the only six of the innings.

Ayrten Dehmel and skipper Matt King, last week's chief wicket taker, added 14 apiece to push the Rams to 7-169 and boost their chances of an outright win.

Gale wasted little time in declaring to give his bowlers one last crack at the opposition before finals cricket beckoned.

For a moment, Gale's plan looked like working with Essendon struggling at 0-2 after 2.1 overs, but then the heavens opened and put an end to the day's play.

"We would have liked to get over the line with not so many wickets down," Gale said.

"The boys are hitting their straps at the right time of year. It's good to be back in a bit of form."

Gale congratulated Stray and King for their efforts post match at Ram of the Year celebrations.

"They've both played extremely well this season, it would be their best season yet," he said.

"Tom is a deserving winner and polled the most votes."

Ringwood Cricket Club is buzzing, with all four sides making it in finals campaigns, with the Rams also being named Premier Cricket club champion, for the second year running.

"Everyone's really excited," Gale said. "It's great to have all our teams in at this stage of the season."