The Upper Clutha Premier rugby side (The Rams) started the 2020 Central Otago Premier Rugby competition with a loss in Wanaka yesterday (Saturday June 27).

Conceding four tries, the Rams went down to the Cromwell Goats 25-16 in a lackluster encounter where both sides looked short of a few training sessions to build structure into their play.

The Rams were constantly under pressure for the first 25 minutes of the match as they conceded numerous penalties. The pressure told late in the half when they conceded two ‘soft’ tries to Cromwell to head to the break 6-13 down.

A resurgent Rams lifted after the break and enjoyed their best passage of play. They were rewarded with a try to hooker Scott Cunningham and a Brodie Flannery penalty for a 16-13 lead. But it was Cromwell which benefited from the lift in tempo as their bench came into play and they put the match beyond doubt with tries in the 55th and 60th minutes.

“We just lacked a bit of mental toughness. When we applied ourselves at times we looked alright,” Rams coach Paul Glynn said. 

“There’s plenty to work on, we weren’t accurate enough when needed and got a bit panicky. There’s talented boys there, give me a couple of weeks and I’ll have them back. We’ll learn a lot from this game.”

For the Rams prop Matthew Templeton tried to lead his young pack in the physical exchanges and captain Brodie Flannery (first five) looked to make the most of the ‘static’ ball he received. Brodie also kicked four from five attempts at goal. 

The Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition has been delayed due to the COVID-19 lockdown and now consists of a seven-week ‘round robin’ with the top four sides contesting the finals in August.

The Rams’ next match is against Maniototo in Wanaka this Saturday. Kick off 2.30pm at the Upper Clutha Rugby Club.

In other matches:

Maniototo 13 Matakanui 13

Arrowtown 17 Wakatipu 17

Alexandra 13 Cromwell Cavaliers 7

Rams point scorers:

Tries: Scott Cunningham

Conversions: Brodie Flannery

Penalties: Brodie Flannery (3/4)

Competition Table

PHOTO: Wanaka App