The Upper Clutha Premier rugby team (The Rams) gave the defending champions Arrowtown a scare yesterday going down 20-16 in Arrowtown.

The sides scored two tries each but Arrowtown’s accuracy off the kicking tee proved the difference, kicking four from four attempts.

The Rams started the match well, skipping out to a 10-0 lead thanks to tries by second five Oliver Stirling and halfback Jai Baxter. Stirling’s was a skillful kick and gather while Baxter scampered 22 metres from the base of a ruck to force himself over in the tackle.

Arrowtown’s big pack constantly asked questions of the Rams defence and a penalty and converted try locked up the scores at 10-10 before a Brodie Flannery penalty gave the Rams the lead at the halftime break 13-10.

The second half was interrupted by a 20 minute break while Rams No. 8 Michael Donald received medical attention. Any hope the Rams had of their fitness and mobility providing an advantage late in the match was gone and the Arrowtown pack proved too strong taking the lead with a converted try from a lineout drive shortly before full time.

“The boys put everything on the line and I’m proud of the effort,” said Rams head coach Paul Glynn. “It came down to clinical stuff, we got ourselves into point scoring positions and we turned over the ball. We have to take the mistakes out, and up the tempo and take the space when it’s available.”

For the Rams centre Tyler Ford was a threat on attack and defended strongly. Lock Lachie Garrick was tireless and open side flanker Byron Aitken tackled himself to a stand-still.

The Rams sit fourth in the Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition with two rounds remaining. Any chance of a home semi-final will require them to win their next two matches against Wakatipu and Alexandra and hope that Maniototo or Matakanui can upset Arrowtown.

This Saturday the Rams play Wakatipu in Wanaka at the Upper Clutha Rugby Club, kick off 2.30pm. 

Points:

Tries: Oliver Stirling, Jai Baxter

Conversions: 0/2

Penalties: 2/3

Scores:

Cromwell 76 Cromwell Cavaliers 17

Arrowtown 20 Upper Clutha 16

Maniototo 38 Alexandra 14

Matakanui 19 Wakatipu 45.

Table:

PHOTO: Wanaka App