The Upper Clutha Rams are the 2025 Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition champions, defeating Wakatipu 35-7 in a dominant home-ground performance on Saturday (July 19).

The match was played under sunny skies at the Upper Clutha Rugby Club in front of a large and vocal crowd. 

“So proud, they played such good rugby, so good,” Rams head coach Alex Dickson said.

“We used the whole width of the field and scored some really nice tries.”

A crowd of more than 1,200 cheered on the home side.

Wakatipu started strong, pinning the Rams deep in their half with a series of penalties, but the hosts grew into the contest and took control.

Trailing early, the Rams turned the tide late in the first half and went into the break up 10-7. From there, it was all Upper Clutha.

The second half saw the Rams pile on 25 unanswered points, thanks to dominant set piece work, especially at the lineout. Captain Lachie Garrick was instrumental in stealing Wakatipu’s throws and generating attacking platforms.

“We worked hard on that [defensive lineout] all week,” Alex said. 

“We knew we could put them under pressure there, and it paid dividends.”

Upper Clutha captain Lachie Garrick accepting the trophy.

Ball carriers Jake Burtenshaw and Andrew Horne kept the momentum going with powerful runs, while hooker Scott Cunningham delivered pinpoint lineout throws and contributed strongly in open play.

The midfield pairing of Oliver Stirling and Milan Martinovich were defensively sound and linked well on attack, capitalising on the space their forwards created.

Speedster wing Jack East crossed for two second-half tries, including a superb solo effort that set the tone just after halftime.

But it was halfback Brodie Flannery who pulled the strings. His calm control at the base, excellent game management, and sharp kicking kept the Rams on the front foot and the scoreboard moving.

First five Angus Faulks was also influential, with his ability to punt off both feet a feature throughout the finals.

The win capped a stellar season for the Rams, who have built steadily across the competition and saved their best rugby for the title decider. They end the season with a full trophy cabinet including the Championship, the Vincent Shield (first round winners), and the White Horse Cup (challenge trophy).

“It’s a great day for the club,” Alex said. “Happy for the boys - they’ve worked hard for this.”

Points:

Tries: Jack East (2), Jake Burtenshaw, Dan O’Shea, Caleb Dixon

Conversions: Brodie Flannery (2)

Penalties: Brodie Flannery (2)

PHOTOS: Wānaka App