The Upper Clutha Premier rugby team (The Rams) are in line for a home semi-final with just one round of the Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition remaining.

The Rams sent a message to the competition with a convincing 32-15 win in Wanaka yesterday over a lethargic Wakatipu to claim a bonus point win elevating them to second on the competition ladder leapfrogging defending champions Arrowtown who lost to Maniototo.

The Rams just need to beat a struggling Alexandra side in Alexandra this Saturday to secure a home semi-final on Saturday 15 August.

The Rams never looked troubled by Wakatipu despite trailing 10-3 at half time. They had spent most of the first 40 minutes on attack but failed to convert a number of promising opportunities.

Rams lock Lachie Garrick at full stretch

Welcoming back experienced forwards Brendan Murdoch and Sam Calder the Rams exerted their dominance in the second spell putting on 29 points in a controlled half of rugby.

The Rams forward pack more than matched Wakatipu and were dominant in loose play, and the home side's talented backline enjoyed a wealth of good possession to constantly test the Wakatipu defence.

“We were a bit flat compared to last weekend but if you told me we’d put on 32 points and come away with a bonus point win at the beginning of the match I’d take that,” said Rams head coach Paul Glynn.

“When we get a bit of space and get the mis-matches and these boys back themselves we can be very dangerous.”

For the Rams hooker Scott Cunningham was mobile and threw well to the lineouts. Loose forward Jackson Campbell was lively and wing Sam McCall was a constant threat down the right side of the field.

Points:

Tries: Sam McCall (2), Oliver Stirling, Sam Calder

Conversions: Brodie Flannery (3)

Penalties: Brodie Flannery (2) 

Results:

Maniototo 21 Arrowtown 14

Alexandra 5 Cromwell 64

Upper Clutha 32 Wakatipu 15

Cromwell Cavaliers 17 Matakanui 45

Table:

PHOTOS: Wanaka App