WEST COAST RFU – 2007

. Season 2007	2007 Status: Heartland Championship ....Founded 1890..Affiliated 1893 President: E,G.Wilson Chairman: P.Millar Chief.Executive.Officer: M.Connors Coach: A.D.Lawry Assistant Coach: W.H.Monk .Main.ground: .Rugby Park, Greymouth Capacity: .8,000 Colours: .Red and white hoops. red shorts. red socks with white tops

West Coast enjoyed its best season in eight years and can look forward to 2008 with a considerable amount of confidence. Following a heavy loss to Wairarapa Bush in the opening game several changes were made which produced instant success with upset wins over Horowhenua Kapiti and Thames Valley then two further victories over King Country and East Coast. Against Poverty Bay the Coast produced outstanding form and commanded a 21-5 lead at halftime before the visitors rallied to score 31 points during the second half. The Lochore Cup semi final, against South Canterbury, could have produced a different result had the game been played in Greymouth instead of Timaru.

The season’s good fortunes were a result of good coaching by Anthony Lawry and Winston Monk. Former Canterbury B player Corey Simpson was one of the best first five-eighths in the competition, his huge kicks, for position and for goal, kept his team on the front foot. His contribution of 93 points was over half of the team’s total but it would be unfair to say that the team relied heavily on Simpson. Excellent defence made play difficult for opponents. Excluding the opening 46 – 0 loss the team conceded only 19 tries, one more than the Coast compiled.

At lock two veterans in their mid thirties, captain Lomiga Vaaelua and Tony Kerr, provided much experience and 19 year old Dale Burrows showed considerable improvement while partnering with either one of the veterans. One of the strengths of the side was the loose forward trio of Ofa Misa, Mitchell Simcock and Emili Langi. They won much possession, were strong attackers, and solid tacklers. The front row toiled hard against bigger and more experienced opponents, prop Sam Durie excelled while Kilifi Malungahau showed a marked improvement with each game. Andrew Gadsby and Mike Riley shared the hooking position.

Behind the forwards James Ferguson was a good link with Simpson. Midfielders Dan Keno and Eroni Uluiborotu were sound on defence. Jacob Stevens was very fast on one wing while on the other Maleli Tora was in exceptional form later in the season. Blair Grice showed much promise at centre or wing. Mike Hende was a reliable fullback.

WEST COAST TEAM RECORD 2007

Played 9 , Won 4 , Lost 5 , Points for 178 , Points against 223

AA REWARDS HEARTLAND RUGBY – POOL A
.	P	W	D	L	Pts
Mid-Canterbury	5	3	–	2	15
Wairarapa Bush	5	3	–	2	15
King Country	5	3	–	2	14
West Coast	5	3	–	2	13
Thames Valley	5	2	–	3	10
Horowhenua-Kapiti	5	1	–	4	4
AA REWARDS HEARTLAND RUGBY – LOCHORE CUP
.	P	W	D	L	Pts
Poverty Bay	8	5	–	3	24
South Canterbury	8	4	–	4	19
West Coast	8	4	–	4	17
Thames Valley	8	2	–	6	12
East Coast	8	2	–	6	11
Horowhenua-Kapiti	8	1	–	7	6

Lochore Cup Finals

First Semi-final: at Alpine Energy Stadium, Timaru. Saturday October 13
South Canterbury 31 (Savieti, Star Tuliakiono, Saena tries; Tutton 2 conversions and 4 penalty goals)
defeated West Coast 23 (Tora try; Simpson 6 penalty goals).
Referee: K.R.McBride

Second Semi-final: at Rugby Park, Gisborne. Saturday October 13
Poverty Bay 65 (Leighton 2, Tarnatea, Ravulo, Gardner, Hutana, Douglas, McClutchie tries; Leighton 8 conversions and 3 penalty goals)
defeated Thames Valley 3 (Harrison penalty goal).
Referee: C.J.Rooney

Final: at Rugby Park, Gisborne. Saturday October 20
Poverty Bay 38 (Warren, Logan, penalty, Douglas tries; Leighton 3 conversions and 4 penalty
goals) defeated South Canterbury 35 (Tauelangi, Sione Tuliakiono, Savieti, Kotua tries; Tutton 3 conversions and 3 penalty goals).
Referee: C.J.Rooney