It was a struggle for West Coast in 2016, picking up just two wins to finish tenth. The forwards were the strength of the team and were able to win sufficient ball. Fitness could be questioned, with many points usually conceded in the second halves of matches, best exemplified against Poverty Bay when leading 28-16 at halftime to lose 28-62, and against North Otago when leading 44—14 at halftime and holding on to Win 54-42. The Mid Canterbury match was the Coast’s best 80-minute performance of the season.

The Coast also lost a lot of experience With regulars from 2015 missing being Alan Monk (retired), Kevin Moore (South Canterbury), Joshua Hill and Isei Lewaqai (both injured), Brad Houston (suffered a heart attack playing early season rugby league and doubtful of ever playing again), Jason Wright (not playing) and Matthew Jeffreys (returned to Wales). Thirty players were used with exactly half being debutants. Trent Reti had previously represented Horowhenua Kapiti.

In the competitive forward pack, the standout was lock Joshua Manning who made a late start to the season. He was a colossus in the lineouts and general play, and was ably assisted by Kalave Auali’itia, while Amenatave Tukana was a workhorse at no. 8. The front row of David Crouchley, Troy Tauwhare and Jesse MacRae toiled away in the tight and forward rushes. Flanker Brogan Watt was in very good form during the season and sadly collapsed after the Poverty Bay match, needing to be rushed to Christchurch Hospital for brain surgery and placed in an induced coma. It is pleasing to report that he woke from the coma and the surgery was a success, but any future playing must be unlikely.

The best player in the backline was Regan Stanton. There weren’t many opportunities for him to show the attacking ability he possesses, but his defensive Work, called upon a lot, was a credit. The backline was better with Nick Cumming at first five-eighth while former South Canterbury wing Erenimo Tau was a surprise and valuable inclusion during the campaign, on loan from Northland. He scored five tries in his four appearances. At fullback Brad Tunnicliffe improved as the season progressed.

Higher honours went to:
New Zealand Heartland: J.J.Manning

WEST COAST REPRESENTATIVES 2016

			Position	PL
	Amenatave Tukana		Flanker	8
	Beau.L.Cain		Winger	1
	Brad Tunnicliffe		Fullback	6
	Brett McBride		Centre	5
	Brogan Watt		No. 8	6
	Chad Kingi-Ternant		Winger	5
	Daniel Foord		Prop	5
	David.J.Crouchley		Prop	8
	Erenimo Tau		Winger	4
	Francis Auwerda		Lock	4
	Harley Vui		Winger	3
	Inia Toka		No. 8	7
	Jack Druenimolea		Prop	3
	Jesse MacRae		Prop	7
	Josh "JJ" Manning		Lock	6
	Josh.W.J.Costello		Fullback	2
	Kalave Auali'itia		Lock	7
	Kelly Rasmussen		Lock	6
	Kevin.J.Curtis		Flanker	5
	Kolinio Radrovi		Winger	6
	Logan Heath		Centre	7
	Logan Winter		Flanker	4
	Maleli Mudu		Winger	8
	Martyn Tootell		Flanker	5
	Nick Makea		Scrum Half	8
	Nik.K.Cumming		First Five	8
	Regan Stanton		Centre	8
	Trent Reti		Scrum Half	8
	Troy Tauwhare		Hooker	7
	Tu'uta Simaile		Flanker	1
	zPenalty Try			1

Click the date {eg: 17 May, 2:30pm} for Match details

Click the Opponent {eg: Buller } for full ‘Head 2 Head’ details

Results 2016

Sat 27 Aug	2:30 pm	A	Heartland Championship	Wanganui	74 - 06	Match Center
Sat 03 Sep	2:30 pm	H	Heartland Championship	South Canterbury	20 - 58	Match Center
Sat 10 Sep	2:30 pm	H	Heartland Championship	East Coast	36 - 30	Match Center
Sat 17 Sep	2:30 pm	A	Heartland Championship / Rundle Cup	Buller	48 - 00	Match Center
Sat 24 Sep	2:30 pm	A	Heartland Championship	Mid Canterbury	34 - 22	Match Center
Sat 01 Oct	2:30 pm	H	Heartland Championship	Poverty Bay	28 - 62	Match Center
Sat 08 Oct	2:30 pm	A	Heartland Championship	Horowhenua-Kapiti	52 - 22	Match Center
Sat 15 Oct	2:30 pm	H	Heartland Championship	North Otago	54 - 42	Match Center