2012-13 has been a very successful season. We have achieved all the objectives we set out at the start:-

1. Player development

2. To have a first tour

3. Recruitment and retention

1. We don't look at wins and losses to assess improvement, yet this has been a winning season with 12 wins and 11 losses and the Hampshire Shield in the captain's cabinet. The evidence on the pitch is that the standard of rugby being played now is far better than back in September. There is structure in our play and the boys all understand the basic playing patterns which we have established.

It will be very difficult to decide who wins the Most Improved Player award this season as the entire squad has come on leaps and bounds. Their attitude to training and their appetite to learn whilst playing has been first class. Thursday training numbers have increased steadily and I hope will continue next season. Clearly those attending the midweek sessions are improving faster than those who are unable to attend for one reason or another.

More than anything I am hugely impressed with the players' mental toughness and never-say-die attitude in games when they are seemingly lost. For next season, we need to get the lads starting games better, not giving away the leads from which their character has so often been tested.

Who can fail but to be impressed from 108 tries scored in 23 matches? See table below ...

2. By any measure, the first tour to Wales was a massive success. The boys are still buzzing from their experiences and, by talking about it enthusiastically, this will aid the recruitment of more players from local schools. I saw the boys grow in stature through the tour, with the freedom to enjoy each other's company and from the focus on enjoyment and self-discipline - well, it was mostly self-disciplined but boys will be boys! I'd love to tell you more but what goes on tour stays on tour ... or facebook!

3. Inevitably and not unexpetedly one or two players have fallen by the wayside. Rugby doesn't suit everyone and as the seasons turn over it only gets tougher and tougher. We have gained more players than we've lost, so we're growing in overall numbers just as we wanted. The new players have integrated well and found a warm welcome from the squad and the coaches. Onwards and upwards!

These totals do not include 7s