The last game of the 2007/2008 has come and gone. With it has brought about the much sort after accomplishment of being promoted out of your league to that above. For Manchester this means a chance to pit themselves against the best teams in the country outside the premiership.
A long and arduous season has seen Manchester finish just 1 point from claiming supreme division superiority. This in itself was a disappointment, but I don't think the club or the players were affected too much as scenes of jubilation hit when the referee blew his whistle for full time for the last time of the season. A big support crew saw a young Manchester side lift themselves one last time, after 8 weeks of pressure to claim the 4 try bonus needed and secure that 2nd promotion spot.
What comes now. Well, preparation for next season is well underway, with Dave Baldwin already setting plans into action and safe guards in place to do his best to ensure Manchester stay in what is often a 1 season division for those promoted. Most of the players will be having a deserved break, although there are a few that are continuing to play in the England Counties competion. A few of these lads are even in contention for England Counties, and we wish them well when the squad is selected next weekend.
Manchester have already had a taste of National One rugby when they played Rotherham in the cup competition. That game saw Manchester have their vaunted opponents under all sorts of pressure, obliterating them in the first half. However, it's a sign of how tough next year is going to be when Rotherham scored 21 points in 10 minutes to seal the game.
I hope the lads use the pre-season wisely. Every player needs to raise their game that one step further if we are to stay up and prove a competitive team in National One. We have to get bigger, stronger, faster and think that much more quicker in our first games. Not only that, individual skills, a key component in the modern age, has to be right on the money, with backs in particular under pressure in the kicking and passing game.
However, an all round player will also ensure their right hand gal is happy so I do hope the players take this time to relax, and take a spell away from the game to spend some time with the loved ones. It's been a long season, and we all need the support from our partners and wives to get through each one year after year. They, as well as the club contribute to the success of the team.
Heres to a hot summer and a few cheaky pints over the BBQ.
