It does however mean, that we are through to the playoffs so we will be working extremely hard at training to ensure we are ready for the first playoff fixture that we think will be between either Peterborough or Wales. The disappointment of the two games that were cancelled, should not detract however, from the super season that we have had. We had a great first home match with a win over local rivals Plymouth Admirals. This was a very exciting match as it was televized on BBC Spotlight News who did a pre-match report of both the Admirals and ourselves and our preparations for the game, followed by a report on the Monday evening following the game at the weekend. The highlights of the game were shown in the Monday night report (both reports can be seen on this website) and we were pleased to continue our unbeaten record against the Admirals winning 20-0 bringing it to 4 wins to 0.
Our second home game was a rematch against the Hampshire Thrashers who had beaten us in the our first game this year when we travelled to Winchester. It was a tough game but we were determined to secure a win and were pleased with our 21-8 victory.
The third match was a game the team relished - a rematch against the South Wales Warriors against whom we had suffered a very frustrating loss of 7-3 earlier in the season. Wales had been unbeaten in the last two years and we were delighted with a fantastic 6-0 win. It was a really hard game for both teams in terrible weather. The Warriors were graceful in defeat and joined us for drinks and a bbq after the game.
Our final home game was against the new boys to the league, the London Cobras. We had heard good things about this team and we were not let down. They were worthy opposition and although we were to lose the game 0-18, we very much enjoyed the playing them and look forward to facing this talented team again in the future.
The penultimate game of our fixtures list involved a seven hour journey to Milton Keynes to play the MK Pathfinders. I was very proud of the team securing our best ever win against another team 54-0 after such a long journey, in extreme temperatures (with no air conditioning on the coach - it broke in Exeter!!). The sun beat down throughout the game but the guys played hard and were well rewarded.
The Cornish Sharks players, which are comprised of some 50% rookies have grown together this year, getting stronger with each game and really gelling as a team. They are proud to be Cornish Sharks, proud to play for this great county and I am proud of them as Head Coach for their dedication and determination against some tough opposition this year and for making the playoffs for the second year running in only our second season in the league. We will let you know as soon as we do who we will be playing in the playoffs and where. Thanks to all our fans, sponsors and supporters - we couldn't have done it without you.
Head Coach Brian Smallworth |
