The Upper Clutha Premier rugby team (The Rams) has opened its season in the Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition with a ‘rusty’ 27-11 victory over Maniototo in Wānaka on Saturday (March 25).

Typical of an early season match, the Rams struggled to retain possession and build pressure on a well-organised Maniototo team, which was intent on lifting the White Horse Cup.

“We’ll take any win, especially against the Maggots [Maniototo], the White Horse means a lot to them,” Rams head coach Garry-John Hape said after the match.

“We know we’ve got some questions to answer.”

The Rams spent much of the first half defending a barrage of Maniototo attacks, breaking out in the eighteenth minute to score the only try in the half, which went to new lock Hayden Fleury who showed good pace to win a chase for the ball after a kick through.

Maniototo was back on the attack early in the second half when the Rams failed to secure the kickoff. Maniototo was rewarded with a penalty shortly after to lead the match 5-6.

The sides then traded tries with the Rams taking the advantage thanks to a conversion by first five Milan Martinovich.

With 20 minutes left in the match the Rams gained ascendancy scoring two well-executed tries to finish with a comfortable margin.

The Rams will be delighted with their scrum which often dominated the Maniototo pack. New prop Ben McKeitch impressed with his strength and mobility, and loose forwards Jake Burtenshaw and Callum Grayling were able to roam with freedom.

New prop Ben McKeich gave a powerful performance in the scrum and with the ball in hand.

In the backs fullback Simon Page impressed in a mistake-free performance, and some excellent incisions into the backline.

Centre Benjamin McDougall had a fine match and left-wing Reuben Barnett made the most of his opportunities.

The Rams will be happy with the win and retention of the White Horse Cup, however, their lineout execution was poor and they gifted far too much ball to their opponents.

The Ram's next match is against Alexandra in Alexandra on Saturday, April 1. Alexandra provided the surprise of the first round beating Wakatipu 11-10 in Queenstown.

Rams points:

Tries: Reuben Barnett (2), Hayden Fleury, Sean Murray.

Conversions: Milan Martinovich, Brady Kingan.

Penalties: Brady Kingan.

In other matches:

Wakatipu 10 Alexandra 11

Cromwell 34 Arrowtown 12

PHOTOS: Steve McArthur