A flawless display by the Wakatipu Rugby Club delivered a 35-20 defeat to the Rams (Upper Clutha) in Wānaka on Saturday (May 25), ending the home side's unbeaten run in the Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition.

Wakatipu beat the Rams at their own game, delivering quick ruck ball to a rampant backline that sliced through the Rams' defence with consummate ease.

Rams’ head coach Alex Dickson said he was disappointed to lose the match and the White Horse Cup but acknowledged the quality of the Wakatipu performance.

“Obviously disappointed,” he said.

“Wakatipu did play extremely well and we weren’t up to it today.”

Despite maintaining contact on the scoreboard for most of the match the Rams were constantly under pressure, relying on scrambling defence to stay in the match.

They trailed 15-10 at the halftime break but a yellow card early in the second half to the Rams' rugged hooker Fergus Smith put his side on the back foot and ‘Waka’ skipped out to a 23-13 lead heading into the last quarter of the match.

A converted try by the Rams closed that margin to three points but the pressure was too much and ‘Waka’ added two tries in the final ten minutes to secure a well-deserved win.

The Rams set piece enjoyed periods of dominance but slow ruck ball prevented its renowned backline from causing a serious threat.

Despite his yellow card, Fergus Smith was impressive defensively and as part of a strong front row. Lock Andrew Horne was combative with ball-in-hand, wing Tomas Jarman handled a barrage of high balls well, and first five Brady Kingan impressed with the boot.

The Rams sit two points clear of Wakatipu at the top of the competition ladder with both sides well clear of a pack of four teams vying for a semi-final position with five rounds still to play.

The Rams' next match is in Ranfurly against Maniototo on June 8.

Rams’ points:

Tries: Rory Read, Tomas Jarman.

Conversions: Brady Kingan (2)

Penalties: Brady Kingan (2)

Other matches:

Arrowtown 40-34 Matakanui

Cromwell 25-24 Maniototo

Table:

Table: Tribe App

PHOTO: Steve McArthur