The Upper Clutha Rugby Club’s premier team (the Rams) bowed out of the Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition after losing in the preliminary final 44-15 against Wakatipu on Saturday (July 2).

The Rams, who went into the match with an unbeaten record this season, were comprehensively outplayed by a quality Wakatipu team which dominated all facets of the match.

“It was a battle of attrition and we couldn't find any cohesion to produce something to get us on the front foot,” Rams coach Garry-John Hape said.

“The effort was absolutely there but they [Wakatipu] are big frames and we were starved of the ball.”

Rams coach Garry-John Hape

The Rams started the match promisingly with a try in the first ten minutes, however Wakatipu grew in confidence on the back of a string of penalties to lead at the half time break 17-8.

Wakatipu added a further 27 points in a dominant second half performance as the Rams defensive effort took its toll and they fell off tackles.

Three Wakatipu tries in quick succession midway through the half put the result beyond doubt.

The Rams toiled courageously and were rewarded with a consolation try on full time to second-five-eighth Oliver Stirling.

Rams halfback Brady Kingan scored 100 points in 2022.

The Rams have flourished on front foot ball this season providing space for a talented backline, but those opportunities were rare against a disciplined Wakatipu side which will advance to the grand final in Queenstown this Saturday (July 9) against the Cromwell Goats.

“I’m encouraged about the future, they’re a young team who were gracious in defeat,” Garry said.

“A massive thank you to all those supporters who turned up this year, it meant a lot to the boys.”

The Rams last won the Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition in 2018. They lost by one point in last year’s grand final to the Cromwell Goats.

Rams points:

Tries: Milan Martinovich, Oliver Stirling.

Conversions: Brady Kingan, Oliver Stirling

Penalty: Brady Kingan

PHOTOS: Steve McArthur