Backs Carl Smith and Damon Smith are shining examples of how grassroots rugby is alive and well in the Mackenzie.
On Saturday Carl notched up 100 games for the club while Damon Smith reached the 150 mark.
While the Rams are still to record a win this season it means nothing to the pair in terms of pride in pulling on the jersey.
Carl, originally from Fairlie, has worked as builder in Timaru for the past four years but thinks nothing of travelling `back home' for practices as many others travel further from high country stations to play.
Despite some heavy losses this season he remains upbeat.
"There is something special about playing for a country club."
Carl said win, lose, or draw the fans keep turning up and the clubrooms were always full after a game.
"Some of them are in the same spots every week."
As for this season's routs Carl said his side was at a rebuilding phase and he was happy to be an experienced head a in a very young side.
"They will be a good side in a couple of years."
In fact the duos' number of club games would approach matching their team-mates' combined,excluding a couple of other experienced players.
Carl realises often country players get to senior grade quicker than their town counterparts because of the numbers available and he started his senior rugby career in 2001 as a 17-year-old.
Damon was in a similar situation, first pulling on the jersey in 1996 as a 16-year-old.
"It wasn't too bad, I was on the wing so not in the thick of the action."
Damon also believes theirs is a special camaraderie in the Mackenzie side
"We have players from Glenn Tanner, near Mt Cook, play for us and I guess that's a big commitment.
"Also the locals really get behind us no matter what happens, which is special."
Damon said the side was in good heart despite the losses.
"It's all part of rebuilding and there are some good players for the future there."
Both players said the highlight of their careers was the 2003 championship win. "The celebrations went on for a week," Carl said.
Damon spends his time between first five-eighth and fullback.
Carl has moved from the wing into centre.
Damon is also the club's top points scorer with 959.
He has scored 28 tries, 177 conversions, 154 penalties and 15 field goals and been captain, on occasions, for a number of years.
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