The Rams suffered a hugely disappointing start to their NFC1 North campaign as the Newcastle Vikings ground their way to a 3-0 win at the John Charles Stadium.

A single Vikings field goal was all either team had to show for their efforts in a game dominated by defences on both sides.

The teams traded three-and-outs from the kick-off and while that set a defensive tone both sides would be pleased with, neither offence managed to fire in a scoreless first quarter.

Robbie Brumpton’s short-range kick gave the visitors their slender advantage going into half-time, with coaches and senior players alike attempting to rally the Rams in the dressing room.

As the game wore on, the home team tried a couple of different plans to try to turn the tide and reward a decent Easter Sunday crowd.

Some tough running by Chris Peel and a pair of dynamic kick returns from Keimar Stuart offered flashes of encouragement, while wide receiver Christian Davies made the best of several short passes but was unable to bring in a long downfield ball from Taylor Umland as time ran down.

And as one final drive stalled and the Vikings closed the game out, the Rams were left to lick their wounds and channel their frustrations towards a bounce-back performance against the West Coast Trojans this coming Sunday.

Kick-off in that game is at 2.30pm, with entry £5 for adults and free to under-16s when accompanied by a paying adult.