The Upper Clutha Rugby Club premier rugby team (the Rams) have suffered their first defeat of the season going down 32-24 to Alexandra in the grand final of the Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition.

An estimated 2,000 people attended the match at the Upper Clutha Rugby Club with the majority being home team fans who were hoping the Rams would claim the title after an unbeaten 13 match run.

“No fairy tale ending,” Rams’ head coach Garry-John Hape said.

“We just weren’t clinical in our defensive areas, but I’m absolutely proud of the boys, to get into this position, it’s been an amazing season regardless.”

Alexandra scored at a point a minute in the final 20 minutes of the match, starving the Rams of possession and sending wave after wave of four man pods at the Rams’ defensive line.

Earlier in the match the Rams had dominated field position with flying wing Adam Breen and centre Milan Martinovich scoring tries which were converted by first five Brady Kingan, however Alexandra took advantage of an extra player late in the first half, after Rams prop Blair Kennedy was yellow carded, to close to 14-11 at the half time break.

The Rams looked to have the match under control early in the second half inspired by fullback Henry Schikker’s kick return. Schikker was instrumental in putting Breen into space to score his second try just one minute after half time. He then scythed through the Alexandra defence to give the Rams field position resulting in a handy penalty which Kingan converted to stretch the Rams’ lead to 24-11.

After the early points to the Rams in the second half Alexandra kept the ball in hand and their forwards began to win the collision resulting in long periods in possession and good field position. They were rewarded with a strong finish and a well earned competition title.

The dejected Rams side after the match.

“We started off well,” Rams’ squad captain Lachie Garrick said. 

“Discipline just let us down today, we didn’t turn up and Alex did in the second half. It’s a big one to lose isn’t it?”

Rams loose forward Nick Inch was prominent and No. 8 Jake Burtenshaw carried strongly into contact. Halfback Tristian Taylor was tidy at the base and midfielder Oliver Stirling defended strongly.

The Rams back three of Reuben Barnett, Adam Breen, and Henry Schikker were a constant threat.

The team was noticeably disappointed at the end of the match having failed at the final hurdle.

PHOTOS: Steve McArthur