The result was a big surprise to me, the performance less so, in the sense that it wouldn't have been a shock to lose even though we played much better.
The best thing for the rest of the year was the fact our forwards really stood up to Sts. Sangare and Walters at times had much the better of Walmsley and co, particularly Sangare who seems to genuinely intimidate the opposition. I also liked the look of McDonnell. I'd pick him ahead of Donaldson any day of the week, particularly when Bentley can do all Donaldson does on defence but can add the odd good run as well. Mcdonald really adds an X-factor as well - brilliant work for Handley's try.
I'll admit that while I try to defend Leeming, O'Connor looked by far the better option at hooker, including his defence. Sezer just looked a different player with a pack holding its own and a hooker getting him the ball quickly and cleanly.
On the downside, we made too many poor errors. Olpherts' led to a try and Sangare's would have on another day. Tetevano's misread for Lussick's try was also poor. When Newman returns the player I'd drop from the backs is Fusitu'a. Olpherts at least runs the ball out with venom every time. For such a big guy Fusitu'a seems remarkably easy to tackle and he is really not that quick, as shown when Makinson nearly beat him to score from a kick.
Big result that we now need to kick on from.
