The Upper Clutha Premier rugby team (The Rams) showed too much class for a tenacious Maniototo on Saturday (April 30) securing a 47-13 victory in the second round of the Central Otago Premier Rugby competition.

The Rams entertained a good crowd running in seven tries despite disruption due to illness.

“Covid has plagued us this week but I’m encouraged by the depth of the wider squad,” Rams’ coach Garry-John Hape said.

The Rams looked anything but comfortable early in the match as they struggled to contain Maniototo’s ball runners. Starved of possession and unable to secure their lineout ball saw the Rams six points down after 10 minutes through two Maniototo penalty kicks.

Against the run of play it was star wing Adam Breen who sparked the Rams into life with a brilliant counter attack from deep in his own half. Breen burst through the approaching Maniototo defence showing great awareness to find support on his outside and then to be on hand to take an inside pass and score wideout.

He was back on the score sheet soon after thanks to a brilliant back-of-the-hand pass from  first-five Milan Martinovich.

The Rams took control of the match with tries either side of half time through uncompromising loose forward Nick Inch.

“In the first 40 we started slow and the maggots came out with a hiss and roar,” Garry said.

“A good fast start for us is needed.”

Adam Breen again showed his class and now has four tries in just two matches. Halfback Brady Kingan controlled the match well from the base of the scrum and kicked five conversions from five attempts.

Up front, Inch had another physical match, debutante lock Jack Colburne showed he is a player for the future, and prop Blair Kennedy had his best match in Rams’ colours.

The Rams have two wins from two matches and retain the White Horse Cup which will be back on the line this Thursday (May 5) night in their third round match against the unbeaten Arrowtown. The match will be played under lights at the Upper Clutha Rugby Club, kick off 6pm.

Rams point scorers

Tries: Breen (2), Inch (2), Martinovich, Donald, Evans

Conversions: Kingan (5), Martinovich

In other matches:

Wakatipu 101 Cromwell Cavaliers 0

Alexandra 18 Arrowtown 26

Matakanui 14 Cromwell Goats 43

Competition table:

PHOTO: Wānaka App