The visitors, unbeaten this season and topping OBB Division One, looked ominous from the outset and took the lead with a flowing score finished on the left.

Rams swiftly replied, Jordan Navetta banging over a long-range penalty to reduce the arrears to 5-3.

But it was Windsor who continued to look dangerous, and after spending plenty of time in their opponents’ 22, they eventually got over from close range thanks to No. 8 Max Cunningham.

The extras were added this time, and the two sides continued to go hammer and tongs at one another in what proved to be a scoreless remainder of the first half, Windsor missing a kickable penalty with the final play.

The hosts got back into the contest with the first score after the break, outstanding man-of-the-match Teagan Strydom – who tackled ferociously and proved a menace at the breakdown – blasting over from close range.

Navetta was off target with the conversion attempt, but was given a second opportunity with Windsor encroaching before he began his run-up.

And the full-back made no mistake with a fine nudge from the left to make it a two-point game.

Rams continued to defend manfully against their dangerous visitors, and then hit the front with another close-range score, No. 8 Byron Crow this time the man to get the ball down.

With a sizable crowd adding to the atmosphere, it was the home side who gave themselves breathing space thanks to a moment of magic from electric wing Josh Gouws.

The South African took the ball in his own half before racing past a would-be defender down the right, then standing up the last line of defence before darting his way into Clubhouse Corner.

Yet Windsor would not go away, winning a turnover in midfield and booting the ball long, Rams forced to take it back over their own try-line for a five-metre scrum.

They continued to defend determinedly, but after Strydom was sin-binned for an accumulation of team red zone offences, the visitors smashed their way over.

The conversion made it 20-19 with one final play to come, Rams winning a breakdown penalty which Navetta landed to add a little extra gloss to an outstanding contest.

Rams are set to take on Dorking in the last 16 on January 18.