Just when we're over that difficult adjustment period of getting to know new coaching style, new captain, new manager, new players and a new metro committee change in the format (three times), it's the sharp end of the season and things are looking sweet. Until we looked harder and found we were deficient in a few key spots without any cover. Thank god for those totally legal colts boys who definitely played the required number of games for us during the season to qualify. I'll sign an affidavit.

I wasn't there for the pregame in the sheds talking to by whomever does the talking (I never really listen myself) but I assume it was full on, as the lads were out of the sheds, stripped, warming up and ready for some drills 50 minutes before kick off. Not a usual Keith practice.

We kicked off into the sun and surprised everybody by putting ourselves into a position to score almost immediately. But as always Belfast held strong and we couldn't cross the line. All this went on for 15 minutes when Belfast slipped through our defence and scored.
We then stuck to our plan of trying to score for 15 more minutes at which time after a short bursting run, Rossco dotted down (with video to prove it). This put us in the lead where we stayed for just a few minutes until Belfast came back with their own counter try.
These long periods of non try scoring that were the feature of the first half were filled with lineouts with not always accurate throw ins, scrums with lots of pushing etc and lots of running by both forwards and backs to try and score more tries. Sadly, that didn't eventuate.

Our recent tactic of putting a big strong loose forward into the backline to bolster the skitteries worked well again, this time with Kevvy taking that role. It's a shame we were up against a team who knew how to combat it.
The first half ended with me removing myself from the bombast and immaturity of the Belfast Div2 supporters. They're a breeding ground for serial killers. That being said, it was good to see such numbers come out to support their club. Henry also brought his own support band with him, so we weren't alone as strangers in a strange land.

Second half = much better attack, much better defence, much better all round. From both teams.
Which meant no one scored until the last couple of minutes. Us first, which drew us 12 all, then a quick sneaky try by Belfast to claim their spot in next weeks final against Sydenham.
Both teams wanted it, both teams worked for it, both teams deserved it, but only 1 team can claim it. Congratulations to Belfast, but I'll be cheering for Sydenham next week.

Everyone who needs to be thanked and mentions made of will all be done at the Sportsmen of the Year Awards later on, but I would like to say that I had perfect confidence that we would reach our position that we did reach and that no one need feel that they let the team down or didn't contribute. Except Muncher.