RINGWOOD was left ruing its poor batting after being decisively beaten by Northcote in Premier Cricket on Saturday.
After losing the toss and being put in to bat in bowler-friendly conditions at Bill Lawry Oval, the Rams collapsed to 5-44, then lost their final five wickets for just 27 to be all out for 71.
Only David King (16) and Blair Allan (15 not out) provided any form of resistance.
In response, Northcote made 49 for the first wicket with opener Steven Taylor making 42 runs off 37 balls, then lost two quick wickets — Ian Holland (1-8) and King (1-17) — before Marcus Stoinis (19 off 28 balls) and Tim Monteleone (5 not out) took their side to victory at 2-74 from 19.5 overs.
Rams coach Gavin Kellar said his side had a lot of work to do to improve its form.
"We had a bit of a disappointing day," he said. "We just couldn't bat for long enough; we only posted 70.
"They had blokes who came on and took risks with the bat, but you can do that when you're only chasing 71.
"It was difficult wicket and we just couldn't get any momentum.
"We were unable to string partnerships together. We were looking to get 150-200 on that pitch so it was very disappointing."
Kellar praised the work of Holland with the ball.
"The boys fought it out, but we just couldn't put it together," he said. "Ian Holland bowled exceptionally well for us. It wasn't our best day."
The Rams play two one-day matches this weekend with a visit to Fitzroy-Doncaster at Schramms Reserve this Saturday and then a clash against Richmond at Jubilee Park on Sunday.