The Rams have opened their RUSA Premier Men's account in thrilling fashion, defeating Souths 15-12 at Barossa Rugby Precinct during Round 9.
Barossa outscored Souths three tries to two with Jovesa Bola, Mosese Naitauniyalo, Marika Vuniyaca all touching down but were pushed to the final whistle in driving rain.
Sam Rowe's late try pulled the visitors within striking distance and a yellow card with two minutes remaining had Barossa's backs against the walle.
However, the Rams were able to withstand Souths' final rally and hold out three-point victors to end their six-game losing streak.
In other fixtures, Old Collegians stretched their unbeaten start to 2025 with a bonus-point win over Woodville.
The ladder-leaders outscored Wasps eight tries to two in a 54-15 victory with David Alo-Emile bagging a brace for Old Collegians.
Elsewhere, Nicholas Simpson's late surge secured five competition points for Brighton with the Tigers winger scoring twice in the dying stages of their 36-8 win over Onkaparinga.
In the Women's competition, Souths have surged further ahead following their seventh consecutive win - 87-0 over Barossa/Brighton - while Burnside and Woodville both enjoyed bonus point victories in Round 9.
Brighton remain unbeaten in Reserve Grade - largely thanks to Joe Vatusaqata's hat-trick in a 27-7 victory over Onkas - with Tigers Gold also closing the gap on Third Grade leaders Burnside.
