The season has come to disappointing end and we must now look objectively at the team's performance.

Props
Woodcock came back and anchored the scrum reasonably well as he always does. As predicted Coughlan and Noble started most games with Donald trotting on to keep him interested. Noble got big raps from the media and did very well though needs a replacement after 50 or so mins. Can't see much changing here in 2006.
8.0/10

Hookers
Dustow didn't get much of a show and was largely relegated to the bench in favour of Ward, who did a very competent job indeed. Ward has since decided to go to England and now his apprentice will get a fair crack at this position for a whole season.
7.0/10

Locks
Jackson was left in the Union offices and didn't get out much, it's not easy when you have to find sponsors willing to drop money in a bottom-less pit and lock the scrum at the same time. Rawlinson and Veale were simply outstanding and should be high commended for their efforts. Both must make Super 14 starting spots but won't, 'cause that's the way it is.
9.0/10

Flankers
Started slow but came right in the end. The favoured starters were Boric and Harding with the dynamic duo of Voullaire and Wilson making cameo appearances when requested. I thought Boric was ok and Harding excellent but Harding has now departed so we still need a real number 7.
7.5/10

Number 8
Nick Williams is a very good prospect but not what I would call an All Black bolter. He makes devastating runs and tackles like a demented mule but his covering defence is ordinary. You can't be that weight and still get around doing what loose forwards should do. A good find but needs time.
7.5/10

Halfback
Junior Polo owned this area in the team and was sadly decisively average. He may make some good runs but his passing is laboured and slow. We need a better player in this position as Meyer and McGrath are not the answer.
5.0/10

First Five
Elrick's confidence was gone after the misses v Canterbury. This is a kid who has gone too far too soon and I hope he sticks at it. Thankfully Tusi hurt himself and allowed us the slim chance to get to the semis. Luke was ok when he came on but took too much on himself, played like an All Black with no All Blacks around him. The guy from Helensville was alright but should not be in the NPC.
6.5/10

Second Five/Centre
Rua and Tuitavake were a brilliant combination and the cornerstone of the defence. Very happy in this area. Well done boys.
9.0/10

Wings
Looked shaky on Zar's side but the boy has a lot to learn and will have taken a lot out of this season. Waseqduadua was a real talent and loved skipping down that touchline. Without him we would have been in some real bother. Not bad considering their lack of experience.
6.5.0/10

Fullbacks
Whiteman came and went thank god. Pisi Jr. played very well up until the semi and fair play to the lad. He is one to watch for the future.
7.5/10

Summary
Coaches will probably stay due to the fact that they finished fourth. I think this is as high as these two Bays boys will ever get to with this team. Rumours of disharmony resonated around the 'Shore on a weekly basis. Where there is smoke there must be a wee fire somewhere. The team should have made the final but continues to choke when the last push is required. I would like to see a new coach and a fresh start with the youngsters who have come through this season. It won't occur of course because we have a mindset of being ordinary and this above all hurts the most.