The Upper Clutha Rugby Club’s premier team (The Rams) made it two wins from two matches in the Central Otago Premier Rugby competition on Saturday (March 29) when it defeated Arrowtown 41-12 in Wānaka.

The Rams were seldom threatened, scoring six tries to Arrowtown’s two in a comfortable victory.

“The score didn’t say much about the game, we blew a lot of opportunities,” Rams’ head coach Alex Dickson said.

“The defense was good, happy with that.”

The first half of the match delivered high calibre rugby from both sides. Arrowtown’s attack encountered a bruising Rams defensive effort and the teams looked set to fight out a close tussle until the Rams scored a converted try and penalty late in the half to lead 22-5 at the break.

The first 30 minutes of the second half were riddled with errors from both sides as the match appeared to be meandering to an uninspiring finish. However the final 14 minutes provided four tries, one a 70 metre effort by Rams’ fullback Henry Schikker whose speed and balance was on full display as he carved through a tired Arrowtown side to score from a kick return.

For the Rams, none were better than prop Andrew Horne. He picked up a brace of tries and was uncompromising with ball in hand. He was well supported by fellow prop Fergus Smith and captain and loose forward Lachie Garrick. No.8 Jake Burtenshaw carried well.

In the backs halfback Caleb Dixon had a tidy match and Henry Schikker was a constant threat.

After two rounds in the competition the Rams sit on top of the table and will play local rival Cromwell in Wānaka this Saturday (April 5). Kick off 2.30pm at the Upper Clutha Rugby Club.

Rams’ points:

Tries: Andrew Horne (2), Cameron Page, Jake Burtenshaw, Caleb Dixon, Henry Schikker 

Conversions: Brady Kingan (3), Brody Flannery 

Penalties: Brady Kingan 

In other matches:

Cromwell 12-40 Maniototo

Wakatipu 31-3 Alexandra

PHOTO: Wānaka App