Yes, things have changed. Commitment is something that is appreciated by players, it extends through all the teams. In the first team we identified those committed people. They realise we need to be there for each other. It is important, even if you don't like what you are doing. The team ethic has grown through this season to something I am proud the players have achieved. There is a real core element .Those of you that have travelled with the team know what I mean. Our trip to Abbey reflected this from the time we got on the bus to the time we stumbled off it. There is no group within the group, people feel comfortable with each other. Players enjoy each others company from new to old. Retaining their status in SW.1 was the goal and they achieved it together. Well done guys together you have done that. There have been lots of other positives, 8 New Clevedon players, 13 players coming into the first team squad. Some from out of Clevedon, some very local. Some old heads an ex-Captain's drafted in and late in the season Harvey Russell, who has trained with the first team for the last couple of month's came into the squad. He is the future of the club a lad who was captain of my under 17's side. He epitomises what we must do within the club. He will be someone the spectators of first team rugby will see a lot more of.

More positives, the team and personal discipline on and off the field, different habits, better attitudes. It makes a difference.

I suppose there have probably been three games looking back we should have won. Realistically the first Chippenham game, the home Reading Abbey game and the dour game at Spartans in which we were dreadful and intimidated out of the game. Another six points ?

It's points we didn't take and realistically the only people that can make a difference are those on the field. None of this reflects lack of trying or commitment. But the season has shown who is committed to playing rugby for the first XV. We were fortunate I suppose to be given two points also for Spartans non appearance, however there was a genuine belief that week that we would destroy them on the field and a huge disappointment when they did not turn up.

I have seen some tremendous performances. Our first game of the season against WSM, two silly tries against us and we had no kicker. Cheltenham up there in the fog. Quality rugby against Maidenhead. Sheer determination at Penryn where we saw a contender for Tackle of the season from Bridle and Hopkins, don't forget Cliff Cates the frozen goose impersonation ! The try of the season at Keynsham, the hands and support play were superb. Then we have the Clifton game at home where our defence was magnificent and the Bridgwater cup semi final, our desire to play rugby and the try from Trinick were hallmarks of people being able to fit in and what we can do when we believe.

There are clearly gaps in the strength of sides we play now and this league "South West One" is a true stepping stone for National League rugby. It is level 5, a shop window for overseas players plying their often mercenary trade. Four steps below one of the strongest rugby playing division's in the world, the Premiership. Yes, that's where we are !

Generally we must realise that the status will not be maintained by turning up when you want to or playing when you want to. It will go wrong. It has gone wrong. It is not the same as it was last season. It is not the same as it was three seasons ago. Size and power count as do penetrative runners.

First team rugby in SW.1 is about regular training and huge amounts of commitment to your team. Next years players reading this ask yourself "what can I give "

No doubt Tucks stat's will highlight what I mean.

It is also about having a second team with players for the future. They must cause the first team to look over their shoulders worrying about selection meetings and there outcome. It has happened in certain positions this year and it was good to see as it causes competition. Players also need a desire to be in the first team, training together, being part of a squad that can all do the same thing, moving forward, being prepared to learn new things is important to progress. The luxury of social rugby is then played by a third team. Never losing sight of the fact that everyone, no matter who they are is trying to be the best they can be and achieve their potential or objective.

I hope we know there is always much to learn in rugby whether playing it or coaching it. The difference between the good and the bad though is "Are you prepared to learn" I am quite happy that players within the first team have learnt new things this year. I know because they have said so. Whether its lineout's, scrummage, defence, attitudes or lines of running. I have seen the difference and they have demonstrated their knowledge of them on occasions. What would give us an edge ? No doubt we missed a penetrative runner out behind this season and one more big fit lump up front would really of helped. We didn't have that luxury. We were unlucky with injuries and holidays but these things will always test you. Hard work, determination and eventually belief got it done.

Next season ? Well it will be even harder, much, because sides around us will be stronger and bigger than we have known before. This league is the doorway to National League rugby, the best sides will always have to come through it and sadly good big ones will always beat good little ones. We have to be prepared to do it all again, not just working harder but smarter as well and maintain the fantastic team spirit that ended the season.

Finally I have people to thank for their input, my wife, who's taxi service we couldn't have done without. Tucks, the skipper who takes it all so personally and works so hard to make things right. Don't forget the fickle and those lacking knowledge often judge captains on results, there is more to being a captain than winning matches. Tucks take it from me you are a winner. Crunch and his magical mum for always doing those things no one else wants to do, his organising and sewing ! Leanne and Darren for the repairs, taping, rubbing and whining they have to put up with. Neil O Rourke for getting a second team out on a regular basis. The often forgotten Alan Cates who has brought the standard of the pitch on hugely in the last two seasons and is always happy to do little jobs that no one notices. Mike Thomas for all his fingers in all the pies. All those other people that make the club tick along enabling us to play and last but certainly not least Paul Nicholls for his work with Ross Brace. They are trying to ensure young people once again can play and enjoy rugby regularly.

Thank You