The Upper Clutha Premier rugby team (the Rams) conceded a converted try on full time to score a 32-32 draw against Wakatipu on Saturday (May 14) in the Central Otago Premier Rugby Competition.

The lead changed four times in a hotly contested physical encounter with Wakatipu scoring five tries to the Rams four.

“It’s a little bit bitter sweet,” Ram’s coach Garry-John Hape said.

“We played well above our weight and we just needed to control certain points, but silly unforced errors just allowed them to claw back and unfortunately for us, create a draw.”

A draw looked an unlikely outcome midway through the first half with Wakatipu leading 12-0 having scored two tries and finding space on the fringes of the Rams’ defense.

However the Rams took full toll of a yellow card which reduced Wakatipu to 14 players, scoring three tries in seven minutes and then trading penalties to lead at half time 22-15.

Wakatipu stormed back into the match with two tries in the first 15 minutes of the second half only for second five Oliver Stirling to score from a charge down to see the Rams leading 29-25 with ten minutes to play.

A Brady Kingan penalty stretched the Rams’ lead to seven points late in the match, however Wakatipu hammered away at the Rams’ line and were rewarded with a try handy to the posts in the last play of the match.

The Rams’ set piece was a highlight of the match along with the loose forward trio of Nick Inch, Jaiden MacDonald, and No.8 Jake Burtenshaw. Inch in particular had an outstanding match against a physically imposing opposition.

Half back Brady Kingan was superb again and kicked five from six attempts at goal.

Handling errors and ball security in contact plagued the Rams during the match providing a quality Wakatipu side with plenty of possession.

Both sides remain unbeaten and sit at the top of the competition ladder after four rounds.

The Rams’ next match is against the lowly rated Cromwell Cavaliers this Saturday (May 21) in Cromwell.

Rams Points

Tries: Breen (2), Murray, Stirling,

Conversions: Kingan (3)

Penalties: Kingan (2)

In other matches:

Cromwell Cavaliers 0 Cromwell Goats 87

Matakanui 3 Alexandra 13

Arrowtown v Maniototo cancelled due to Covid (match drawn)

PHOTO: Steve McArthur