Retaining White Horse Cup ‘means a lot' in jubilee match
The Upper Clutha Rugby team won their jubilee match 28-14 against Maniototo on Saturday in Wanaka. PHOTO: OLIVIA CALDWELL
The Upper Clutha Rugby team could breathe a sigh of relief after their 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 did not 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 their 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 club's foundation of high-country farmers after the amalgamation of Tarras and Wānaka in 1971 took a bit of getting used to and it was not love at first sight.
Today there are fewer farmers on the team, and more tradesmen as the town has changed since its small rural beginnings.
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 of 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,'' Garrick said.
"We were a little patchy and waiting to click but once those [players] are back from injury we will start to fire up.
"That first half we were a bit nervy, but I don't really look at the scoreboard.''
Garrick has captained the side for four years, playing lock and flanker.
He lifted the Central Otago trophy last year for the team after a six-year hiatus for the club, which last won the competition in 2018.
The team celebrated its 125th jubilee with a dinner at the Lake Wānaka Centre on Saturday night.
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