Qld Heelers go down in close match to NSW Country
The Graincorp Country Heelers went down to the NSW Cockatoos 24-21 on Saturday in Rockhampton in game one of a two game series. As usual, with all of these interstate challenges the match was a torrid affair with strong defence from both sides, and although the Heelers had ample opportunity to convert their field position and ball possession into points the backs lacked structure in attack. Having already played two warm up games NSW Country benefited from better team work and scored three tries to the Heelers one. Ernest Suavai scored the Heleers only try with Dan Nethery kicking 4 penalties and a drop goal to Karl Manning with 10 minutes to go. After sustained pressure NSW scored in the last 5 minutes to take the match 24-21 after the lead 10-9 at halftime. Heelers Captain Jon Bradbury had a strong game as did Matthew Berryman and winger Ratupeni Delaminati who demonstarted his great attacking ability.
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The return match will be played in Cowra this Saturday night May 19 - VIEW HEELERS TEAM
Queensland Country Selectors name strong Heelers team to New South Wales Country May 12, 2012 in Rockhampton
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2012 COUNTRY PROGRAM
The Graincorp Queensland Country Heelers have a busy schedule ahead in 2012 with a two-match series against the NSW Cockatoos headlining a program that also features the traditional encounter against City.
The rep season will start off with a match against the NSW Cockatoos on May 12 in Rockhampton as part of Beef Week.
The players will have just completed the Country championships so should be ready to go – Head Coach Tom Rosewarne said.
The following week we head down to Cowra for the return match and with these two matches going some way to identifying potential players for the British Lions match next year competition will be fierce.
“With the opportunity to make a side which will meet the British Lions, the 2012 Heelers have everything to play for. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Country Rugby.”
There will be a break in the rep program before Country fronts up against City in the curtain raiser to the St.George Queensland Reds vs Waratahs match on July 14. City will still be hurting after Countries surprise upset win in last years encounter so we will need to be at our best.
2012 GRAINCORP COUNTRY
REPRESENTATIVE PROGRAM
May 12: Qld Country Heelers 21 lost to NSW Country Cockatoos 24 in Rocky during Beef Week -
May 19: Qld Country Heelers vs NSW Country Cockatoos in Cowra
June 9-11th: U20 Country Carnival ay Ballymore involving Qld Country, NSW Country, Victoria, South Australia and Northern Territory
July 14: Country vs City at Suncorp as curtain raiser to St.George Queensland Reds v NSW Waratahs
QCRU announces support staff for 2012 Country representative program.
Graincorp Queensland Country Heelers
Head Coach: Tom Rosewarne
Assistant Coach: Evan Willis
Physio: Mark Brownlie/Morgan Pratt
Manager: Daniel Bowdler
Queensland Country U20
Head Coach: Scott Barnes
Assistant Coach: Campbell Yates
Manager: Kim Bending
Queensland U20 Presidents XV
Head Coach: Steve Anderson
Assistant Coach: Clint Bullock
Manager: Daniel Hooper
HISTORY
HEELERS FINISH 2011 REPRESENTATIVE PROGRAM ON A WINNING NOTE