KEY FIGURE: Quinn Collard has been one of King Country’s most consistent performers in the Heartland Championship this year. PHOTO SUPPLIED
A BRIDGE too far. That’s the easiest way to describe King Country’s loss to Bunnings Heartland Championship defending champions South Canterbury last weekend. In the clash at Pleasant Point, King Country were in the contest at halftime but a barnstorming second half saw South Canterbury race ahead and secure a 76-9 victory. It was a dogged performance from King Country, who were facing a fired up South Canterbury side. Despite being well beaten on the scoreboard, coach Craig Jeffries felt they were in the contest for large chunks of the semi-final. “For the opening 15 minutes we were right in it and really took it to them. “We were playing some great rugby, then we started to kick the ball back down the middle of the park and made too many unforced errors and that allowed them to take control. “It allowed them to get their big ball runners and speedy backs plenty of space and constantly over the gain line and from there we were always back pedalling and struggling to keep with them.” If it wasn’t for continual unforced errors and a lack of discipline, Jeffries feels the score could have been completely different halftime. “We were down 24-9 at halftime and still felt in the match. If we had taken a couple of our chances and scored it could have been a completely different game. “Unfortunately, we didn’t and in the second half, we just allowed them too much space and they made it count.” Jeffries was proud of his team and how they have performed this season. “It’s been a great year. The boys have really bought in to what we are trying to do with the side, and everyone has stepped up. “Our leadership group has been amazing; our rookies have really taken a big step forward and its positive signs for next year. “Our imports were also fantastic and really bought in to what we were trying to achieve. “Everyone wants to don the King Country and that is fantastic and what we want to see.” Jeffries hopes to see a few of his players awarded with selection in the New Zealand Heartland XV. “I would like to think surely they have their eye on about three or four of our players.” He’s hopeful of returning to the helm in 2023. “I would love to and that’s my plan, we will just have to sit down and have our review and see what happens.” Prop Dennis Andrews Peters is one for the future, while his fellow front row colleague Liam Rowlands led the side superbly this year and Dan Ross stepped up with the sudden retirement of Carl Carmichael. Cruise and Karney Dunster again showed their value in a strong forward pack as did lock Josh Balme and flanker Ethan Christensen, while number eight Kaleb Foote produced several quality performances at number 8. Halfback Zayn Tipping has a sharp pass and distributed well and slotted in as fullback nicely when required. Quinn Collard directed play astutely from first five and it’s no surprise he was leading the Ian Kirkpatrick Medal race at the halfway mark of the competition. Second five Carlos Bellass has been one of the finds of the season, while Jonathon Malo has added plenty alongside wingers Zach Wickham-Darlington and Conor Dobbyn, while fullback Oliver Foote was classy with every touch. If Jeffries can keep a large chunk of this crew together for next season along with their superb bench, they will be a force in 2023. “A lot of the young guys have said they want to stick together and keep the off-season training going. “If they can do that then they’re already coming to us fitter and that makes a massive difference.” As for who wins this weekend, Jeffries is going for his North Island counterparts Whanganui against the southern foe South Canterbury.
