Not too downbeat.
Conditions were biblical 1st half, where I thought we were in it, and looked forceful down the middle and in fits and starts looked like putting a few things together. We ran out of steam in second half, with hard 1st half and reshuffles catching up with us. Added into the fact that saints, despite not being vintage are still a top drawer side.
Rapira looks quality. Did more minutes than I expected, ran it in hard, showed good hands a few times and looked settled in in game 1.
Hinchcliffe looked steady, and involved throughout. He'll improve as he works on the plays more and more, and our lot learn what runs etc he likes.
Some plus points from the usual, and nothing to worry about too much. We look much better prepped than start of last season anyway. We've been lucky with injuries for a while now, so we need to roll up our sleeves and crack on. All the young ups stepped up well.
I think we can hit top 6 by end of regular season, and as long as we're within touching distance of top 4, could get a crack at OT. I'd settle for that. Hinchcliffe will be worth his weight in gold at crunch time of season. If we can add some quality depth through the season (I'd take a real good centre), and give the likes of Connor, leeming, Simpson, Johnson, Roberts and mason real game time we'll be in fine fettle. Oh and a cup run would be nice.
Good away following, with decent atmosphere again
