Spurred on by raucous support from former players, the Rams were highly-motivated to maintain their grip on a top-two spot in the Group 21 first grade competition.

Referee Shayne Hayne, an ex-Muswellbrook junior, was forced to call the game two minutes from time after an on-field scuffle threatened to spill over into the crowd.

The victory on Old Boys Day means the Rams now sit just two points behind Scone ahead of the Thoroughbreds’ clash with Greta-Branxton on Sunday.