It was the fourth time this season the students have lost by less than 10 points and what made it even tougher to take was that they had led for much of the contest.

Despite having fullback Lochie Robinson and lock Lachlan Buckton absent with NSW Country commitments, CSU looked headed for its second win of the season.

Both Fale Liva and Peter Plunkett scored with Jack Keppel adding the extras, helping CSU to a 14-12 lead.

While a penalty goal saw the visitors nose in front, with two minutes remaining the students attacked in search of a third try. However, it was the Rams who scored thanks to an intercept.

“We looked good, it was definitely an all our nothing play, but it just didn’t pan out for us,” CSU coach Luke Kelly said.

“It’s my first year as a head coach – I don’t know if they are all meant to be like this or if this is an anomaly, I don’t know.

“It is frustrating, but as I say each week, I’m so proud of the effort all the boys put in. I think this was the forward pack’s best game of the year. They played a territory game, held the ball, good possession.

“I see the skills developing in each and every player each week. Each player continues to get better and as much as it’s frustrating to keep losing the close ones, everyone is enjoying their rugby.”