2014 Season	2014 Status: Heartland Championship ....Founded 1890..Affiliated 1893 President: C.M. (Sam) Viney Chairman: C.N (Colin) Smith Chief.Executive.Officer: Mike Connors Coach: A.C. (Alan) Lindsay Assistant Coach: S.J.(Sean) Cuttance .Main.ground: .Rugby Park, Greymouth Capacity: .8,000 Colours: .Red and white hoops. red shorts. red socks with white tops

Two wins and a tenth place finish was West Coast’s record for the Heartland Championship in 2014. Last year, close results went their way; this year they didn’t. After the big defeats in the opening two matches, the bonus point for a loss by seven points or less was earned in three of the remaining four defeats. Lack of fitness may have been an issue in the first half of the campaign. In the opening match West Coast led Mid Canterbury 27-13 at halftime but capitulated to lose 27-52.

Thirty-two players were used in the first-class programme with only 11 debuting, so there was experience to call on. New halfback Mark Le Lievre had played for East Coast. Prominent absentees from last year were Josh Manning (Canterbury) and Kevin Moore (unavailable).

Playing mainly at fullback, Josh Costello impressed in all he did, defending well and always looking to counter-attack. On the wing, talented newcomer Regan Stanton came over from the local rugby league code and was a real spark. He finished as top try-scorer. Jason Wright was cover for both fullback and wing. The midfield of Sean McClure and Andrew Connors produced staunch defence, and Tim Priest performed well at first five-eighth and Nathan Smith made good progress. There wasn’t much difference between halfbacks Nick Makea and Mark Le Lievre.

The forward pack was virtually the same every week. In the loose forwards, Rowan O’Gorman was again impressive at number eight, while Alan Monk performed well and Josh Hill was very good at the breakdown and in defence. Logan Winter looked a good prospect. Brad Houston and Kalave Auali’itia locked a good scrum. In the front row debutant loosehead prop Lolesio Lavea impressed and busy hooker and captain Troy Tauwhare missed only one game through injury. Tighthead prop Ryan Kennedy was once again a real workhorse.

After winning the Seddon Shield last year, one successful defence was made against Marlborough sub union, 28-18. The Shield, though, was lost the following week when Buller took the first-class match 42-31.

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Pre Season
# Sun August 3^rd  Seddon Shield v Marlborough – Greymouth

Scores: West Coast 28 (Tim Priest, Josh Costello, Brad Houston tries, Priest 2 con, 3 pen)
Marlborough 18 (Fetu Ieremia 2 tries, Brandyn Laursen 2 pen, Jeremy Manning con)
HT 18-11 West Coast.

WEST COAST TEAM RECORD 2014

Played 10 , Won 3 , Lost 7 , Points for 222 , Points against 292

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

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

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