RINGWOOD couldn't find too many people who believed it was good enough to chase down 366 in a day.
But as long as the 11 players in the side had faith, the Rams knew they had a chance at victory.
That belief became a reality at Jubilee Park on Saturday when the Rams scored 9-370 to beat Footscray-Edgewater and notch one of the more memorable wins in the Rams' proud history.
The Rams were 0-147 at tea and early in the final session opening batsmen David King (102) and Nathan Walsh (126) both brought up their centuries.
Walsh's century was his first in first XI Premier Cricket and his wicket ended their partnership on 223. All-rounder Ian Holland (61 off 55 balls) lifted the pace of the innings at a crucial time but as the Rams lifted the run rate in the final session the wickets began to fall.
When the team lost its ninth wicket they still needed 19 runs to win, a task that seemed achievable for tail-enders Brendan Walsh (22 not out) and Michael Topp (3 not out). They made the runs in less than two overs, taking victory in the second last ball of the day.
Rams playing coach Gavin Kellar said his side celebrated with vigour when the winning runs came up. "It was just a super occasion," he said.
"We had the thirds up in the stand because their match had finished. We had all supporters around the boundary and to end the game like that, it was very exciting and the boys were ecstatic."
Lucas Dredge (3-70) had the best figures for the Bulldogs.
Kellar said the result would boost his side as it chases a finals berth. "We believed all week that we could win. But believing is one thing, living it is much different but I think now the boys have done this it will give them a lot of confidence."
Kellar praised Nathan Walsh, who returned to the Rams this season after two years at Fitzroy-Doncaster, and King for their opening stand.
"When your opening pair come in at tea unbeaten, having done that hard work, then it sets you up. From there it was like a one-day game for us: we needed 220 to win and had 10 wickets in hand. This result is a reward for the hours all our players have spent on their batting."
The Rams face another tough test when they visit Dandenong at Shepley Oval this Saturday at noon.
PREMIER CRICKET LADDER: Melbourne 67 points, 1.67 per cent; Prahran 60, 1.41; Ringwood 53, 1.25; Richmond 51, 1.86; St Kilda 51, 1.40; Carlton 49, 1.08; Dandenong 41, 1.38; Melbourne Uni 41, 1.07; Fitzroy Doncaster 38, 1.12; Frankston Peninsula 38, 0.94; Geelong 37, 0.88; Casey-South Melbourne 31, 0.74; Footscray Edgewater 27, 0.92; Camberwell Magpies 27, 0.78; North Melbourne 26, 0.72; Essendon 12, 0.65; Haw-Monash Uni 12, 0.65; Northcote 9, 0.52.