Streak's end something of a relief for Banks

Marty Banks.
Marty Banks.
Marty Banks was glad he missed a conversion on Saturday night.

Not glad he did not bag the two points but happy he finally ended a streak which was gathering some steam.

Banks had kicked 24 kicks in a row for the Highlanders until he could not land the conversion to skipper's Ben Smith's try in the second half of the win over the Sunwolves in Invercargill on Saturday night.

It was a tough kick, right out by the sideline, on the wrong side for the right-footed Banks, and he said it was something of a relief it did not go over.

He had been getting some ribbing from team-mates about his impressive streak.

''I have been copping a bit of stick all week. It was 24 in a row for the Highlanders this year. The one I missed was probably the best one I hit all day,'' Banks said.

''I thought it was going to go right to left but it went dead straight. It went where I aimed it for but just did not go through the sticks.

''It was good to get it off my back so now everyone can leave me alone. Bender [Ben Smith], Aaron Smith, Joe Wheeler, they were just getting stuck into me ... but I think I have racked up 30-odd for Tasman.''

Banks does not practise much - about 18 kicks all up during the week and in the build-up before the opening whistle.

''I was gutted that I missed the two points but, actually, relief I could let it go. In a way, it was a good thing.''

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