In 2009 we were fortunate enough to have played Huddersfield, who had a similar lack of finals experience themselves, so that helped us get a grip on the occasion. Leeds, on the other hand, haven't won the cup since 1999, and repeated finals defeats can take their toll on a side. Likewise, their repeated grand final victories allow them to be in their element when another final comes, as they know how to handle the occasion perfectly. For me, it is similar to our own hoodoo against Saints; after one win, we were subsequently able to rack up several.

too bloody right that lydon drop goal,memories dont think youll ever see a sweetly hit drop goal again

Agreed, sam
I've done precious little sulking, since THAT Wire v Wigan game, decided by THAT decision by Smith. Cost me about £400. Took us at 50/1, preseason.
Leeds played us at our own (expansive) game, and they deserved their win. Maguire, Burrow and Sinfield tore us a new one.
3 CCs in 4 attempts
The hub-cap
Our record in the play-offs is improving
We're getting players "mentioned in dispatches" for the MoS awards
Our lot is quite a happy one.
Gutted? Not a chance

Rewind to early 2009. The Cullen era had ended, Lowes was in charge and appeared to be taking the team nowhere fast.

If somebody then had offered me three Challenge Cup wins, finishing top of the league once and playing some of the most attractive rugby ever seen in SL, but with the price of making Old Trafford and losing all within the next 3½ years I would have ripped their arm out at the socket as I'm sure most (if not all) Wire fans would.

Disappointed rather than gutted about the result, but looking at the amazing ride we've been on in such a short space of time still leaves me buzzing.

Spot on. And if people are still not sure, think about the supporters of clubs like Bradford, Hull KR, Salford, Cas. Plus Saints not winning anything again, and Wigan only getting the LLS. We have had a fantastic year and a brilliant run for the past few seasons. I just hope we can continue next year.

Yeah, all of this is how I'm feeling. I was disappointed that we lost, but I was surprised by how quickly I accepted it and wasn't gutted, because as well as not being the best side on the day I was happy that we had come this far. I sometimes worry that we've been spoiled by this recent form, because I don't want us to turn into a club that moans about how unfair it is that we didn't win everything, given the last decade and a half (that I've been following us since a kid) in which we've won nothing until now. I worried that I would never see a successful Wire side like the ones I heard about from years gone by, and now I have I want to enjoy it while it lasts.

Of course we should try and win as much as possible, but if we manage not to win anything next season we're still vastly better off than we were 10 years ago, and better off than many other clubs in the league - is that really something to complain about?