In 2023, Upper Clutha went into the final with an unblemished record, having won all 13 games. This year their record is almost as good — 12 wins from 13 starts while scoring a whopping 74 tries.
But the Rams know how good this Alexandra team is. They have become the competition’s supreme giant killers.
Last year, Alexandra came into the final after having been beaten by Upper Clutha 40-7 a few weeks earlier. They trailed by 13 points in the final before winning 32-24.
Alexandra were at longish odds again when they confronted Wakatipu in their semifinals at Queenstown last Saturday. Again, they trailed early, and again they demonstrated resolve, coming through to win 24-21.
Victory was the more remarkable because the Armadillos lost inspirational captain Tyler Ford during the game with a painful knee injury.
Ford has scored 110 points this season, second only to Upper Clutha’s Brady Kingan, 10 of those points coming from a brace of solo tries in the semifinal against Wakatipu.
Alexandra coach Lee Wilson rates Ford a 70-30 chance of playing the final.
"He’s progressing well and we’re optimistic he will take his place in the No13 jersey."
While Ford has been Alexandra’s goalkicker throughout the season, his damaged knee could see that role passing to fullback Nathan Hook after his immaculate display brought about Wakatipu’s downfall.
Upper Clutha, who last claimed the Central Otago premier title in 2018, have fashioned an incredible record over the past three seasons, so far without winning the ultimate prize.
In 2022, after completing all their qualifying matches undefeated, they lost to Wakatipu in the semifinals, and they had 13 victories in a row last season before stumbling against Alexandra.
They boast several of the competition’s most enigmatic players, most notably halfback and goalkicker Brady Kingan, who has racked up 153 points, Welsh winger Tomas Jarman, who has scored 14 tries, dynamic prop Ben McKeich, lock and captain Lachie Garrick, midfielders Oliver Stirling and Sean Murray, flying fullback Henry Schikker and No8 Jake Burtenshaw.
Upper Clutha coach Alex Dickson, who replaced Garry Hape this season, is mindful of what Alexandra have achieved.
"We know what they’re about," he said.
"We’re happy with where we’re at, and we’re ready for them."
Apart from a couple of players with bumps and bruises, he believes he will have his full squad available for selection, including Martin Martinovich, who has rebounded from a broken wrist.
A prediction?
While Upper Clutha will start as favourites, if Tyler Ford’s knee holds up, Alexandra might just complete the double.
- By Bob Howitt
