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Otago Daily Times
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
East double ignites hosts in rampant second half
With Upper Clutha having the home advantage, most Central Otago rugby followers were expecting them to retain their premier club title in Saturday's final in Wanaka. Few, however, were expecting them to pulverise Wakatipu in the manner they did, winning 35-7. That included Upper Clutha coach Alex Dickson. "They're an easy team to coach," Dickson. "They look for each other, but I wasn't expecting that result, to be honest. They played out of their skins in the second half." Wakatipu fans, who had made the trip across the Crown Range hoping to see their team claim the title for the first time since 2022, were not anticipating Upper Clutha's total domination of their team in the second half. Wakatipu led 7-3 with just half a dozen minutes remaining in the first half, lock Toby Higgins having scored a try after relentless pressure in the 16th minute. That brought joy to the Wakatipu fans, but the signs were soon becoming obvious. Inspired by captain Lachie Garrick, Upper Clutha were taking charge of the lineouts and beginning to exert pressure in the scrums. When Arthur Boutillier, their French flanker, made a scorching break, No 8 Jake Burtenshaw was on hand to finish off, allowing Upper Clutha to go to halftime holding a slender 10-7 lead. The second half was all Upper Clutha. Speedy left winger Jack East, following in the footsteps of prolific try-scorers Adam Breen in 2023 and Welshman Thomas Jarman last year, scored a stunning solo try one minute after the restart, adding another 10 minutes later. Halfback Brodie Flannery, the only player to start in all 14 games throughout the season — but who would sadly limp off with a strained hamstring in the final moments — chimed in with a penalty, putting Upper Clutha comfortably 23-7 ahead. Replacement backs Daniel O'Shea and Caleb Dixon rounded out the scoring for Upper Clutha with tries in the final quarter, only desperate defence saving Wakatipu from further embarrassment in the final moments. Upper Clutha will now host Clutha in the Otago countrywide final at Wanaka this Saturday, having beaten Clutha Valley in last year's final. Upper Clutha are losing a couple of their star performers next season with prop Ben McKeich returning to Christchurch and outside back Milan Martinovich moving to Australia. There were many who excelled for Dickson's team on Saturday, most notably forwards Garrick, Burtenshaw, Boutillier, lock Andrew Horne and front-rowers Scott Cunningham (in game No 101) and McKeich. East, who has played three seasons in Victoria, Canada, once again demonstrated what a wonderful asset pure speed is, proving a champion finisher. Others who contributed mightily in the backline were first five Angus Faulks, midfielders Oliver Stirling and Martinovich and speedy fullback Henry Schikker. The victory means Upper Clutha complete the season not only as club champions but also holders of the White Horse Trophy, the first time they have managed the double since 1972. Central final The scores Upper Clutha 35 Jack East 2, Jake Burtenshaw, Daniel O'Shea, Caleb Dixon tries; Brodie Flannery 2 con, 2 pen. Wakatipu 7 Toby Higgins try; Rube Peina con. Halftime: Upper Clutha 10-7 — Bob Howitt
Otago Daily Times
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Upper Clutha secures jubilee victory
The Upper Clutha rugby team could breathe a sigh of relief on its 125th jubilee match, with the final whistle bringing a 28-14 win over Maniototo at home in Wānaka. The top of the table Rams had the White Horse Cup on the line against the visiting side, and while they doubled the opposition's score on fulltime, they didn't make it easy on themselves. Upper Clutha trailed the match at halftime and for much of the second half, but were able to regain composure in the second half defending their own line on more than one occasion. The injury riddled home side lived up to the occasion, as did the loyal crowd of over 1000. Upper Clutha coach Alex Dickson was proud of his team at fulltime and said the win could propel them to a competition title if the form continued. "We got there in the end, the first half I wasn't too happy. Just holding on to the ball when we shouldn't be and gave them easy territory." "With the White Horse Cup and jubilee — it was a big day for the team. "The boys are happy, it was a grind but we knew they would come at us. With all the old players around we didn't want to disappoint." The Upper Clutha team have just five matches ahead before semifinals, which they are tipped to get a spot in. A worse-for-wear captain Lachie Garrick was thrilled with the result. "I'm happy to come away with the win, it is good the White Horse will stay with us for another couple of weeks." The White Horse Cup is the Central Otago competition's equivalent to the Ranfurly Shield which is only contested on the holder's home grounds. "It means a lot getting the win for us and for the crowd. Winner's drinks taste better," he said. "We were a little patchy and waiting to click but once those are back from injury we will start to fire up." "That first half we are a bit nervy, but I don't really look at the score board." The team celebrated its 125th jubilee with a dinner at the Lake Wānaka community centre on Saturday evening.
Otago Daily Times
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Jubilant victory for Upper Clutha
The Upper Clutha rugby team could breathe a sigh of relief on its 125th jubilee match, with the final whistle bringing a 28-14 win over Maniototo at home in Wānaka. The top of the table Rams had the White Horse Cup on the line against the visiting side, and while they doubled the opposition's score on fulltime, they didn't make it easy on themselves. Upper Clutha trailed the match at halftime and for much of the second half, but were able to regain composure in the second half defending their own line on more than one occasion. The injury riddled home side lived up to the occasion, as did the loyal crowd of over 1000. Upper Clutha coach Alex Dickson was proud of his team at fulltime and said the win could propel them to a competition title if the form continued. "We got there in the end, the first half I wasn't too happy. Just holding on to the ball when we shouldn't be and gave them easy territory." "With the White Horse Cup and jubilee — it was a big day for the team. "The boys are happy, it was a grind but we knew they would come at us. With all the old players around we didn't want to disappoint." The Upper Clutha team have just five matches ahead before semifinals, which they are tipped to get a spot in. A worse-for-wear captain Lachie Garrick was thrilled with the result. "I'm happy to come away with the win, it is good the White Horse will stay with us for another couple of weeks." The White Horse Cup is the Central Otago competition's equivalent to the Ranfurly Shield which is only contested on the holder's home grounds. "It means a lot getting the win for us and for the crowd. Winner's drinks taste better," he said. "We were a little patchy and waiting to click but once those are back from injury we will start to fire up." "That first half we are a bit nervy, but I don't really look at the score board." The team celebrated its 125th jubilee with a dinner at the Lake Wānaka community centre on Saturday evening.
