The Upper Clutha premier rugby team (the Rams) kept its unbeaten season intact with a 50-19 win over Matakanui-Combined in the Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition match in Tarras yesterday (Saturday June 11).

Playing in fine but freezing conditions, the Rams ran in eight tries in a patchy performance littered with moments of individual brilliance but lacking the cohesion coach Garry-John Hape is looking for as the final play-offs loom.

“I wasn’t too impressed with our shape in that first half,” Garry said.

“All due respect, Matak gave us exactly what we needed to clean up on. They exploited areas that we really need to clean up in the next seven days.”

Garry-John Hape

Despite racking up 50 points the Rams were often under pressure and starved of possession for long periods of the match. Matakanui’s direct approach exploited weaknesses around the Rams’ ruck, regularly making inroads into the Rams’ defence.

The Rams led 28-9 at the halftime break and struggled to contain Matakanui early in the second half. 

The visitors were rewarded with a well taken try in the 58th minute before the Rams’ bench turned the momentum in favour of the home side to add a flurry of tries late in the half.

“The way that our bench came on was just outstanding,” Garry said.

Loose forward Jaiden McDonald was the pick of the Rams team with a committed defensive effort, while prop Alonso Avalos provided much needed energy when he came onto the field. 

First-five Milan Martinovich impressed with ball in hand including an elusive 50 metre run to score his second try late in the match.

The Rams finish second on the table behind Wakatipu on points differential after the first round, and secure a home play-off final in Wānaka this Saturday (June 18). 

That match will be against third placed Arrowtown with the winner advancing to the semi finals and the loser to a second-chance play-off.

Point scorers:

Tries: Milan Martinovich (2), Matt Ward, Adam Breen, Oliver Stirling, Sean Murray, Oliver Jarvie, Calum Grayling.

Conversions: Brady Kingan (5)

In other matches:

Maniototo 3 Wakatipu 36

Alexandra 19 Cromwell Goats 36

PHOTOS: Steve McArthur