Two Central premier rugby teams will clash in one of the semi-finals of the Central Otago Premier Rugby competition on Saturday (July 8) 

The Alexandra Rugby Football Club (the Armadillos) take on the Cromwell Rugby Football Club (the Goats) at Alexandra’s Molyneux Park at 2.30pm. 

Alexandra club manager Dai Johns said the feeling in the team was positive after “three good wins on the trot”.

“It’s the first time we’ve had a home semi in about ten years.

“It will be a tight, good old battle.”

Dai said two young Irish players have made an impact this season, along with all the local players and he is expecting a great game. 

Alexandra beat Arrowtown 36-5 to secure the home semi final in the final games of round robin play last weekend (July 1).

Cromwell RFC club captain Russell Decke said the team know they are “up against it” as Alexandra have been on a roll.

“We haven't quite put an 80 minute performance together yet this season… so we will be looking to do that.

“[Supporters] should get along, it will be a good game. Both teams like to attack and go out wide with the ball,” Russell said. 

Russell said the team has changed since the last time they played the Armadillos, and that they would be looking to just “score more points” than the opposition. 

Alexandra held the upper hand over the Goats the last time the two Central teams played each other, winning 37-10 on June 24.

Alexandra players after the June game against Cromwell. PHOTO: Alexandra RFC

Earlier in the season Cromwell had the edge on the Armadillos, winning 25-13 on May 5. 

Armadillo's club stalwart and backline player Sam Malcolm was recently presented with his 100 game cap for the club, he has played for Alexandra since 2008. 

Sam Malcolm PHOTO: Supplied

In another clash last weekend Upper Clutha (the Rams) showed their strength, with a  22 -8 win over Cromwell in Wānaka. Upper Clutha have remained unbeaten throughout the season.

At the end of round two the standings were Upper Clutha with 55 points, second Alexandra with 35 points, third Cromwell with 34 points and fourth Wakatipu with 29 points. 

Upper Clutha play Wakatipu (the Premiers) in the other semi final at Upper Clutha at 2.30pm. 

Both the Armadillos and the Goats are urging sponsors, supporters, families and the community to get behind their teams tomorrow by wearing their team’s colours.