Having dropped out of the top eight for the first time this season, the defending premiers took to Prahran with a dominant bowling display from skipper Matt Gale (4-20), Michael King (3-23) and Steve Gilmour (3-30).

The Rams wasted little time in destroying a hapless Prahran attack, with the visitors languishing at 7-57.

Looking odds on to be all out for less than 100, Prahran — through skipper Neil Schlittler (55) and Victorian spin bowler Bryce McGain (29 not out) — added 68 runs for the eighth wicket to restore some respectability.

Buoyed by the impressive bowling display, Ringwood opener David King (46 not out), batting with brother Daniel King (8) to put on 42 runs.

Ringwood finished on 1-68 at stumps with King and run machine Tom Stray (13 not out) looking to drive the Rams back into finals calculations.

‘‘It’s the perfect start,’’ Gale said. ‘‘The boys all bowled really well to find the right line and take the edges.’’

Despite a slow start to get wickets, the Rams made the most of a 30-minute spell that brought five wickets.

‘‘It was a little disappointing to let Bryce and Neil make some late runs, but they’ve both played plenty of cricket. We knew they’d knuckle down and bat for a while.’’

Gale is confident King can build on his handy start, along with Stray, to put the Rams in a strong position.

‘‘To be just one down is a great platform to build on. David’s been making plenty or runs, but not getting the big scores. This is his chance.’’