The Upper Clutha Rams have secured top spot on the table after two rounds of the Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition, grinding out a hard-fought 17-6 win over Wakatipu at home on Saturday (July 5).

The Rams exploded out of the gates at the Upper Clutha Rugby Club, lifting their game to a new level in the opening 20 minutes with ferocious defence and crisp attacking execution. 

They crossed the line twice in that opening period and held a commanding 12-3 lead at halftime.

Rams head coach Alex Dickson said the team had finally delivered the kind of performance they had been building toward.

“Ecstatic – what defence! We really hit our straps, been waiting all year for it,” he said.

The second half, however, saw the Rams come under sustained pressure as ill-discipline crept into their game. 

Ten penalties in a 30-minute spell saw them pinned deep in their own half, but Wakatipu were unable to break through thanks to a steely Rams’ defensive wall.

Wakatipu slotted a penalty in the 69th minute to close the gap to six points, but it proved a turning point in the Rams’ favour. From the restart the Rams worked their way into the Wakatipu 22 for the first time in the half, and sealed the match with a decisive try.

The defensive effort was led by prop Fergus Smith and second five Oliver Stirling, who were relentless at the tackle. Lock Andrew Horne put in a powerful shift and flanker Arthur Boutillier was physical and disruptive throughout.

The win also ensured the Rams retained the White Horse Cup, now in its 100th year. As the final holders of the cup this season, the Rams name will be engraved on the historic trophy.

Upper Clutha now prepares to face Maniototo in Wānaka on Saturday (July 12) in a home semi-final. Wakatipu will play Alexandra in Queenstown in the other semi-final.

Points:

Tries: Jack East, Oliver Stirling, Jake Greer

Conversion: Brody Flannery

Table:

TABLE: Tribe

PHOTO: Wānaka App