There is such a thing as being over-prepared for a game, and we tried to do that. Talking all week about the game and the "must win" aspect if we were to have a chance of advancing into the final (after beating Belfast, of course), training hard at the gym on Thursday and getting to Sumner 1/4 of an hour earlier than usual. Unfortunately, we ended up being under prepared by a factor of a shit-ton. Someone didn't pick up the jerseys from the club. Someone didn't pick up the water bottles from where ever they were last left at which meant the calmness of Theresa and the panic of Chief drove back into town to get them. Crisis avoided. Only 12 minutes late starting the game.

While the Sharks were getting some TV coverage about something blah blah, we focused on our game plan, although Bravo managed to get his hair and make-up done in case they needed a quick interview stand-in.

We've all heard me say that rugby is the top 6 inches of a player, and I'm right. Mental preperation is key. And we simply didn't keep our mental plan once we hit the field. As soon as Sumner scored we went off the boil. Four times. And that's not what we're supposed to do. But it wasn't all doom and gloom. Bruce (50 games) played well in his extra large jersey while others in more skinnier apparel kept up the speed and agility. Jan in his first starting game had a bit of trouble finding his positional game, and that will come with time, Ross put in a blinder and Louis provided some needed stability towards the end of the match. Unit seems happy to play in 20 minute bursts but at his age, it's ok. Uli announced his retirement after next weeks game (his 275th) so a new reserve hooker will be needed. If Jonesys knees hold out that is, otherwise we'll need two more for next year.

Sean had his socks taped up too tight thereby cutting off the circulation to his feet which in a player as active as he is, isn't a good thing. Muncher had his scrum cap on too tight. But that's only to match Olivia's grip on his balls. The Percy clan were there watch Nick play. And will no doubt watch him asleep on the couch later on in the night after complaining he's too sore but who will be secretly complaining to himself about his woeful kicking. Whereas Alan doesn't care if he misses goal.

AJ put in a bit of much needed mongrel when he came on, but too little too late methinks. The Sumner damage had been done by then.
Jared and Bravo showed why wingers are needed by scoring a try apiece which many would think was the highlight of the game.
The real highlight was 32 players turning up to play a good game of footy (even if only 29 got on the field). Let's get the same for next week in our last game of the 2016 season.