It wasn't the best way to end the league season, but I am sure you will all agree that this season has been a huge success. We secured second place with two matches to spare and even though it was very unlikely, we had a chance of getting promotion on the final day.
After looking back on this defeat, I think the lack of a proper warm-up made us take longer to get our head into the game. A quick line drill and a short six-on-four drill was all we did, and I think we needed more time to get our minds set on the game instead of still having them in the cars.
The first quarter probably told the story of the whole game. Two quick goals in the first couple of minutes did not help at all. The defence just did not seem ready and seemed to forget what to do. We need to try and be more confident when sliding from any part of the field.
But over the whole game, we did get better. Juggernaut was living up to his name with some huge body checks, and a few people thought I was a lot more physical. But it seems I wish I wasn't, as I am really feeling the effects now and I think I may just rest till Saturday.
But I think I should not moan about my injuries after Simon received a hard shot to the leg late in the third quarter and deserved another 'man-of-the-match'. A great performance once again by Staffordshire's number one and I do hope he has a speedy recovery.
Midfield and attack had it tough as Trent seemed to have at least three players on whoever possession of the ball. As soon as someone made a cut, it was d-pole's everywhere and I will be very surprised if not every midfielder or attacker had some sort of bruise at the very least.
It was really good to have an actual referee involved in a game before Varsity to give some experienced with actual officials.
Even though we lost, which is never a good thing, I must congratulate Nottingham Trent who dominated this league from day one and never looked back. They deserve everything they got this season and it will be interesting to see their results next season to see how good they really are.
Despite the season ending on a low point, it has been a historical year for us. It is probably hard for the freshers to realise how successful this season has been.
The last time we won a league game, I and many other third years weren't even at this Uni. So you can imagine how happy the players that are in their final year are, after having two years without a win in a competitive game.
It has been a great season and it is good to see all this hard work come in the form of wins. Now it is on to the cup where we are one win away from the final which will make our season more of a success.
After looking back on this defeat, I think the lack of a proper warm-up made us take longer to get our head into the game. A quick line drill and a short six-on-four drill was all we did, and I think we needed more time to get our minds set on the game instead of still having them in the cars.
The first quarter probably told the story of the whole game. Two quick goals in the first couple of minutes did not help at all. The defence just did not seem ready and seemed to forget what to do. We need to try and be more confident when sliding from any part of the field.
But over the whole game, we did get better. Juggernaut was living up to his name with some huge body checks, and a few people thought I was a lot more physical. But it seems I wish I wasn't, as I am really feeling the effects now and I think I may just rest till Saturday.
But I think I should not moan about my injuries after Simon received a hard shot to the leg late in the third quarter and deserved another 'man-of-the-match'. A great performance once again by Staffordshire's number one and I do hope he has a speedy recovery.
Midfield and attack had it tough as Trent seemed to have at least three players on whoever possession of the ball. As soon as someone made a cut, it was d-pole's everywhere and I will be very surprised if not every midfielder or attacker had some sort of bruise at the very least.
It was really good to have an actual referee involved in a game before Varsity to give some experienced with actual officials.
Even though we lost, which is never a good thing, I must congratulate Nottingham Trent who dominated this league from day one and never looked back. They deserve everything they got this season and it will be interesting to see their results next season to see how good they really are.
Despite the season ending on a low point, it has been a historical year for us. It is probably hard for the freshers to realise how successful this season has been.
The last time we won a league game, I and many other third years weren't even at this Uni. So you can imagine how happy the players that are in their final year are, after having two years without a win in a competitive game.
It has been a great season and it is good to see all this hard work come in the form of wins. Now it is on to the cup where we are one win away from the final which will make our season more of a success.