Having upset reigning premiers Pirates and unbeaten Moree in a three game winning run, the Red Devils went into the match high on confidence but were outclassed by competition leaders 46-17.

"Looking at the game it was clear they were generally better than us," Red Devils manager Stan Gaynor said.

"Full credit to them."

Gaynor said they were happy to be able to put three tries on them, and had their moments.

"We had little five-10 minute periods where we got down their end and we played good footy," he said.

But outside of that the Rams generally controlled the game.

The Red Devils weren't helped by their illdiscipline.

"We were letting them come out of their own 22 with penalties, not keeping them in their area," Gaynor said.

To their detriment, he also noted that their line speed in defence was "nowhere near" where it has been the last few weeks. It was something coach Dan Martin had highlighted heading into the game, wary of the threat the Rams possess outwide.

"Their first three tries they rolled straight through us, and that set the tone for them," Gaynor said

"Not coming up and meeting them and letting them have space is not the way to play them."

On the positive side their scrum was fairly solid against what is strong Rams pack.

And they kept trying for 80 minutes, the game could have easily blown out, he said.

He said the loss is a bit of a wake-up call for them.

"[It is] A bit of a reminder that we're three and three and we haven't won more than we've lost," he said.

Despite the loss they have maintained their place in the top four, but do look to have lost second rower Tim McDermott for probably a month at least after he dislocated his shoulder.

Gaynor said Tom Mackey was good on the wing for them. Joe Norman was also very solid at five-eighth.

Not that anyone had a terrible game but collectively they didn't play as well as they have the last few weeks.

Second grade fared better getting the points 26-19 to maintain their footing in the top four.

The Red Devils now look forward to two home games to wrap up the first round. They've got Barraba this Saturday and then Scone following the long weekend.