Pinetree’s legacy

A space in the King Country Rams’ squad was held open in memory of Sir Colin ‘‘Pinetree’’ Meads yesterday.

The No 5 jersey, the one Pinetree wore in 139 provincial rugby games, was rested.

A plain jersey was worn by Mike Horrocks, who was playing lock for the King Country, instead.

The match against West Coast was the first game of the Heartland Championship season.

Meads, a former All Black, played 139 first-class games for King Country. He passed away last Sunday at the age of 81.

Meads had been chairman of the King Country Rugby Football Union until 2002, when Ivan Haines took over the role.

Haines said the memory of Meads was ever present.

‘‘It doesn’t matter if you’ve never met him, in the King Country,’’ Haines said.

‘‘He is the King Country as far as rugby is concerned.’’

A large sign, ‘‘RIP Pinetree #533’’, was painted into the grass at Taupo’s Owen Delany Park for the match.

King Country players wore black armbands and a moment of silence was held before kick-off.

‘‘We played in the blue and white socks, which were the colours of his club’s socks, Waitete,’’ Haines said.

Meads played for the Te Kuiti club from 1954 to 1976.

Taupo District Council Mayor David Trewavas said Meads had made an immeasurable contribution to the Taupo district.

‘‘He always came at the drop of a hat to speak at functions,’’ he said.

‘‘Anything that’s been good for