TOP SHOWING: Prop Carl Carmichael had an outstanding game against mid Canterbury last weekend. PHOTO GRAHAM PHOTOS
THE King Country Rams have resurrected their season with a hard-fought win. Following back-to-back losses to Horowhenua Kapiti and Thames Valley, the side returned to winning ways with an impressive showing. Their 34-22 win against Mid Canterbury at the Showgrounds in Ashburton was set around a fast start. King Country managed three tries in the victory, while Quinn Collard had his kicking boots on, nailing 19 points off the tee. It was a game that King Country needed to win to keep themselves in the play off picture, otherwise they risked falling behind the pack. PROUD OF TEAM Coach Craig Jeffries was proud of the way his team got into the game. “We had a few things planned and the guys came out of the block exceptionally well and started superbly. The boys really got out there and took it to Mid Canterbury and it laid the perfect foundation for our victory.” King Country’s three tries were scored by flanker Ethan Christensen, winger Connor Dobbyn and replacement lock-cum-loose forward Reeve Satherley. Up 24-8 at halftime it looked as though King Country would run with proceedings in the second half, Mid Canterbury had other ideas as they nabbed two converted tries, however Collard penalty goal and a converted try sealed the victory for the visiting King Country outfit. Jeffries said they played to the game plan well. “The guys went out and controlled proceedings incredibly well. We attacked certain areas of their game and got rewards. It was nice to get on top early and keep that pressure up.” He said the leaders in the side really stood up against Mid Canterbury. “The guys like Carl Carmichael, Liam Rowlands, Kaleb Foote, Quinn, they really stood up and led the team superbly.” MADE A DIFFERENCE A plus in the victory was extended time together, Jeffries reckoned. “We got into Christchurch at 1pm and went straight to the training ground. That made a massive difference, then we did a few other bits and bobs and then were able to prepare for the game again. It worked incredibly well.” He said Carmichael looked in doubt for the weekend with a niggle, while loan player Josh Balme and player of origin Oliver Foote were racing the clock to be fit for the weekend. “Carl’s probably unlikely to play. If he is out Dennis Andrews-Peters will probably slot in and he’s a big lad who offers something a bit different to Carl. We have cover. Josh got taken off in an ambulance but has come out of it okay, we just have to see how he pulls out. We will lose a bit of height if he’s out but again there are a few different options we put in at lock. “We need a win to keep a bit of momentum going.” EAST COAST IN THEIR WAY Standing in their way this Saturday is East Coast, who will be a tight contest at Rugby Park in Te Kūiti. “They’re a good side; they have won three of their five matches and will be a tough outfit. “We know how they play and expect them to come down here and be a difficult assignment. They sit sixth currently.” So far, the Heartland Championship is shaping up to be an interesting competition with some surprising results. North Otago, who beat Horowhenua Kapiti 89-23 last weekend, defeated King Country by two points in pre-season, who lost to Horowhenua Kapiti by seven the other week but knocked over Mid Canterbury, who defeated North Otago in extra time, showing everyone can beat each other on their day. Kick-off this weekend is at 2.30pm.
