The Upper Clutha Rams have lost their first game in the 2025 Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition, going down to Alexandra 27-31 under lights in Wānaka on Thursday night (May 1).

It was an uncharacteristic Rams performance marred by errors and costly penalties.

“It was a hell of a game, it went to the 80th minute,” Rams captain Lachie Garrick said.

“We didn’t make the most of our chances so they were the better team today.”

In contrast to the Rams’ scrappy display, Alexandra demonstrated a clear game plan; keeping the ball in hand, generating quick ruck ball, and playing with accuracy.

When the Rams erred Alexandra made them pay, coming away with points on nearly every incursion into the Rams’ 22.

The Rams were missing a number of players due to injury but Lachie said that was no excuse.

“We’re better than that and we know that so we’ll be back,” he said.

The match didn’t lack excitement with the lead changing five times. Alexandra skipped out to a 10-5 lead midway through the first half before a dominant last ten minutes of the half by the Rams was rewarded with a converted try to lead 12-10 at the break.

Alexandra added two tries in the first 10 minutes of the second half to a Rams’ penalty.

The Rams responded with two tries of their own to lead 27-24 with 20 minutes left to play, before Alexandra recaptured the lead in the 70th minute with a converted try.

The final stages of the match provided opportunities for the Rams but errors and turnovers proved costly.

For the Rams, No.8 Jake Burtenshaw made a number of surging runs. Hooker Scott Cunningham toiled hard and loose forward Lachie Garrick was gallant on defence.

The Rams have a week to work on their execution before they play arch rival Wakatipu in Queenstown on Saturday May 10. This match is a challenge for the White Horse Cup, currently held by Wakatipu.

Rams’ points

Tries: Ulysee Martineau, Jake Burtenshaw, Milan Martinovich, Scott Cunningham

Conversions: Brodie Flannery (2)

Penalties: Brodie Flannery

PHOTO: Wānaka App