A high quality performance by the Upper Clutha premier rugby side (the Rams), against defending champions Cromwell, wasn’t enough to lift the White Horse Cup last night, as the Rams went down 24-23 under lights in Cromwell.

The match was everything you’d expect from the competition’s top two sides with excellent ball movement, bruising defence, and regular movement on the scoreboard.

The Rams dominated long passages of the match in an almost flawless first half of rugby which saw them jump out to a 17-6 lead thanks to tries by centre Sean Murray and fullback Henry Schikker.

Late in the half Cromwell turned down penalty opportunities with a series of quick taps, closing the gap to 17-13 with a converted try on halftime.

The Rams became the architects of their own demise at the beginning of the second half when they failed to turn early domination into points. A handy penalty kick from a tighthead went astray and then a penalty kick to touch going dead in goal relieved pressure on the champions.

The sides then traded penalties for the Rams to lead 23-19 with 10 minutes to play.

Cromwell, who had displayed a calm confidence all match, showed why they will be title contenders again in 2021 by creating a rare attacking opportunity which they executed with clinical efficiency to score a quality team try and lead 24-23.

With time up on the clock the Rams missed a difficult penalty attempt much to the delight of the home team and supporters.

“In the preparation the boys turned up with a great attitude to really take the game to Cromwell as you saw in the first 60 minutes of the game,” Rams head coach Garry-John Hape said.

“We did ourselves really proud for Upper Clutha today. I haven’t seen that style of rugby being played from us in a while. The White Horse is done for us so the next focus is this title.”

The Rams forward pack were outstanding at set piece and ruck time with No. 8 Sam Calder prominent along with more solid defence from captain Fergus Smith. Halfback Brady Kingan provided good service to his backline where the centre pairing of Oliver Stirling and Sean Murray impressed.

The difference in the sides was the ability to take opportunities when they appear. The Rams made mistakes, releasing pressure, whereas Cromwell took every opportunity on offer.

The Rams will drop to second position in the Central Otago Premier Rugby competition with their next match against the Cromwell Cavaliers in Wanaka on Saturday May 8.

Points:

Tries: Sean Murray, Henry Schikker

Conversions: Brodie Flannery (2)

Penalties: Brodie Flannery (3)

Scores:

Cromwell 24 Upper Clutha 23

Alexandra 29 Cromwell Cavaliers 10

Matakanui 13 Maniototo 14

Arrowtown v Wakatipu (playing Saturday 1 May)

PHOTO: Wanaka App