The Rams beat Clutha Valley 29-13 at Clydevale in an outstanding display of physicality and determination.
The opening stages of the first half saw Clutha Valley hot on attack.
Plenty of phases were thrown together but solid Upper Clutha defence kept them at bay.
Every time Valley found themselves in the attacking third, they were either forced into making a mistake or Upper Clutha’s intensity at the breakdown would see them give away a penalty.
Upper Clutha’s first foray into Valley territory saw them awarded with a penalty, converted by Brady Kingan.
Upper Clutha’s forwards were up for the challenge and dominated at ruck time.
After a multitude of penalties in their attacking 2, a quick tap saw skipper Oliver Stirling cross for the first try. Kingan converted and Upper Clutha took a confidence-boosting lead.
With time almost up in the first half, Valley first five Thomas Johnson kicked a penalty to trail 10-3 at halftime.
The second half was controlled by the visitors who hardly let their hosts in with a sniff.
Valley opened through a Johnson penalty before Upper Clutha went to work.
A foundation was built on a strong set piece allowing their backs to attack with purpose.
Their forwards outmuscled their opposition with dominant tackles and many crucial turnovers at the ruck.
A ruck penalty allowed Upper Clutha to attack from close to the line, where a dominant scrum opened up the blindside and halfback Brady Kingan crossed in the corner.
More turnovers and penalties at the ruck allowed Upper Clutha to attack again and after numerous phases close to the line, No 8 Jake Burtenshaw crossed to all but seal the result.
As the benches were emptied, the game opened up and Upper Clutha showed their ability to attack out wide.
An educated chip and chase by rapid winger Tomas Jarman saw him dive on the ball over the line.
Clutha Valley scored a consolation try on fulltime to flanker Liam Turnbull which was little solace as Upper Clutha walked away deserved winners.
In the Upper Clutha pack look no further than lock Andrew Horne who had a massive game in the tight.
Horne carried strongly, tackled with ferocity and succeeded in numerous turnovers at the ruck.
Kingan drove the Upper Clutha side around with ease and was in the middle of everything positive for his side with some nice box kicks and quick changes of direction which allowed his runners to find space.
Upper Clutha’s defensive line speed was outrageous, led by skipper Oliver Stirling and first five Thomas Jarrold who gave their opposites no time to think or move.
Clutha Valley never really got off the bus and were out-passioned by a fired up Upper Clutha side.
Captain Damian Wilson was a standout.
Wilson made metres with ball in hand and cleaned up well at the back of a scrum which was retreating, especially in the second half. Second five Maurice Tairua also had a huge match for his side.
Tairua carried with purpose every single time, made numerous tackles and was always a voice of positivity.
By Francis Parker
