The Upper Clutha Premier Rugby team (the Rams) are the 2024 Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition champions after defeating Alexandra 46-10 in Wānaka yesterday (July 20).

A delighted crowd of more than 3,000 cheered on the local side at the Upper Clutha Rugby Club as the Rams lifted the trophy for the first time since 2018.

“Just so happy, so proud of the boys, they played so well, so good,” Rams’ head coach Alex Dickson said after the match.

“Outstanding - I can’t say enough.”

The Rams ran in six tries in an entertaining match. Five were converted by halfback Brady Kingan, who added two penalties.

Rams’ captain Lachie Garrick acknowledged the home crowd.

“It’s pretty unreal, it was just awesome to get the win in front of a great crowd,” he said.

The early exchanges were dominated by Alexandra who showed their intent to keep the ball in hand and looked to dominate the game up front. However it was the Rams leading 6-3 after 20 minutes before going on a try-scoring spree notching up three five-pointers in six minutes to lead 25-3 at halftime.

The second half began much like the first with Alexandra dominating territory and possession before a length of the field break-out by the Rams led to hooker Scott Cunningham scoring to extend the Rams’ lead to 32-3.

Alexandra responded in the 59th minute with a try but the result was beyond doubt and the Rams closed out the match with tries to prop Ben Mckeich and a second to winger Tomas Jarman.

A feature of the match was a physical and bruising defensive effort by the Rams’ forward pack. They absorbed everything Alexandra had to throw at them, winning the physical battle and freeing space for a talented backline.

The loose trio of Caleb Moody, Blake Manning and Jake Burtenshaw was omnipresent with Manning producing his best match in the yellow and black. Their effort piggybacked on a tight five that impressed for 80 minutes both defensively and with ball in hand.

The Rams are worthy champions. They dominated the competition this year, losing just one match and averaging 39 points per game and just 16 against.

The Rams last won the Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition in 2018.

Rams’ points:

Tries: Tomas Jarman (2), Blake Manning, Oliver Stirling, Scott Cunningham, Ben Mckeich

Conversions: Brady Kingan (5)

Penalties: Brady Kingan (2)

PHOTO: Steve McArthur