The Upper Clutha premier rugby team (The Rams) overcame a physical Maniototo 34-12 in the second round of the Central Otago Premier Rugby competition in Wanaka on Saturday (July 4).

The match, which was played in overcast but still conditions, was a test for the Rams’ defence as Maniototo dominated possession and territory with the bigger Maniototo forward pack delivering wave after wave of attack.

A staunch and proactive defensive effort from The Rams kept Maniototo at bay and, when in possession of the ball, the Upper Clutha side created regular opportunities with enterprising attack.

“We didn’t have a lot of possession but once we got the ball into space we were fine,” Rams head coach Paul Glynn said. 

“The defensive effort was up hugely on last week. They’re [Maniototo] a big forward pack but we had them out wide.”

Maniototo started the match with a try after seven minutes through a dominant scrum but the Rams’ enterprising back line delivered three long range tries in the half to lead 24-5 at the break.

The second spell followed the same pattern with a penalty try to Maniototo on full time, giving their score some respectability.

For the Rams, prop Blair Kennedy toiled well and No.8 Michael Donald was prominent.

This was a test of physicality and the Rams stood up and were counted, however it was against an attack which lacked creativity. The Rams proved it is a team effort and were rewarded for their enterprise with five tries and a bonus point win.

Rams scorers:

Tries: Ben Broughten (2), Tiare Murray (2), Jai Baxter 

Penalties: Brodie Flannery

Conversions: Brodie Flannery (3)

In other matches:

Arrowtown 66 Cromwell Cavaliers 7

Alexandra 15 Matakanui 16

Cromwell 60 Wakatipu 33

Table:

PHOTO: Wanaka App