The Upper Clutha Premier rugby side (The Rams) showed moments of brilliance as they outlasted a dogged Matakanui 32-17 in Omakau yesterday.

The Rams backline showed all their skills with deft cross kicks and quality close quarter ball movement resulting in four highly entertaining tries.

Playing with a strong wind at their back the Rams shot out to a 20-0 lead in the first 30 minutes of the match using the wind wisely to secure field position and maintain constant pressure on a struggling Matakanui side.

However as the wind died down in the final moments of the half the Matakanui forward pack capitalized on some much needed field position, storming back into the match with two grafting tries to go to the break with their tails up and in touch with the Rams at 20-12.

The home crowd urged on a Matakanui side growing in confidence and possession in the second spell however they could not match the Rams backline enterprise despite having assendency at the ruck and in forward exchanges.

Winger Tyler Ford scoring one of the Rams four tries.

The Rams added two further tries, both from quality ball movement and with the kicking of stand out first five Brodie Flannery (5 from 7 attempts) finished with a healthy 15 point win.

“We’d score a try and then we’d drop the intensity,” said Rams head coach Paul Glynn after the match. “They rallied and got their tails up and full credit to them. If you come here and get a win and bonus point I’ll take that.”

For the Rams open side flanker and man-of-the-match Jules Webley was tireless. He was complemented by fellow loose forward Zac Shields. Brodie Flannery had another solid game at first five, and wing Tyler Ford made some telling runs.

The Rams next match is against the Cromwell Cavaliers in Cromwell this Saturday 18 July, kick off 2.30pm. The Cavaliers are yet to register a win in the Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition.

Points:

Tries: Sean Murray (2), Tyler Ford, Oliver Stirling

Conversions: Brodie Flannery (3/4)

Penalties: (Brodie Flannery 2/3)

Scores:

Arrowtown 33 Cromwell 34

Upper Clutha 32 Matakanui 17

Maniototo 48 Cromwell Cavaliers 8

Wakatipu 47 Alexandra 0

Table:

PHOTO: Wanaka App