The Upper Clutha premier rugby team (the Rams) ran in nine tries in a one-sided semi-final clash against Maniototo in Wānaka on Saturday (July 13), securing a place in the final of the Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition with an emphatic 58-8 win.

The Rams entertained a large crowd at the Upper Clutha Rugby Club displaying its exciting brand of running rugby in a high-quality performance.

“I thought we played really well,” Rams’ head coach Alex Dickson said.

“We want to play quick ruck speed, we can use our speed in our backs, that’s our game.”

Alex said the death of Upper Clutha Rugby Club life member Colin Clark provided extra motivation leading into the match as did media reports the team had peaked too early.

A minute's silence to remember Upper Clutha Rugby Club founding member Colin Clark preceded the match.

The match was a foregone conclusion by half time with the Rams leading 25-3 and Maniototo receiving a red card to leave the side a man down for the second half.

To Maniototo's credit they played with a fierce commitment, contributing to an entertaining match, but they met a side playing at its best.

Rams’ No. 8 Jake Burtenshaw carried strongly as did lock Andrew Horne. The mobile Horne had an outstanding match and will be a critical ball carrier in this week's final.

In the backs none were better than second-five Oliver Stirling, making a number of tackle busts and defending strongly. Left wing Tomas Jarman was elusive and bagged a hat-trick of tries.

This week’s grand final (Saturday July 20) will see defending champions Alexandra play the Rams after they upset Wakatipu 24-21 in Queenstown. The match will be a repeat of last year’s grand final which the Rams lost 32-24.

Rams’ supporters will be hoping its side can go one better this year.

The final will be played at the Upper Clutha Rugby Club in Wānaka, 2.30pm kick off. 

Rams' Points:

Tomas Jarman (3), Oliver Stirling (2), Eseroma Viba, Ben Mckeich, Milan Martinovich, Jake Burtenshaw.

Conversions: Brady Kingan (5).

Penalty: Brady Kingan.

PHOTOS: Steve McArthur