As has been pretty much the pattern for the whole season, Leeds started brightly and put sufficient pressure on the Wasps players to generate three kickable penalties in the first half, all of which were taken by Alberto di Bernado to give the Carnegies a 9-0 lead mid-way through the half.

Continuing with the pattern, the opposition then woke up and put a pretty straightforward move together to score near the posts, with the conversion a formality. It is usually at this point where the "bad feeling" kicks in and as fans we know in our heart of hearts that this will be another losing day.

However, Biggsy was there to change the pattern somewhat, when he leapt upon a telegraphed floated pass by the opposition on the Leeds 22, and sprinted away from any attempts at cover to touch down under the posts, and with Alberto doing the honours, it was 16-7. Could it be possible that we were to see an outstanding performance to rock the Southerners and take a final win away from the toughest league in the world?

I should've known better. Wasps then closed out the half with a dominant display of rugby skills, cutting through the midfield defence and taking a 16-24 scoreline into the half-time dressing room.

Coming back out in the second half, they also proceeded to close out the game, getting the bonus point try on 51 minutes. So we were back to the season's pattern once again, with the opposition too far ahead and coasting, but Leeds never giving up and playing with character and sometimes finesse. Although the result from this point on was never in doubt, the scoreline was, and with tries from Jonny Hepworth on the wing after a great display of basic draw-the-man-and-ship-the-ball-on passing, and Hendrie Fourie from close in, Leeds were looking to achieve the four-try bonus point for the first time this season. Sadly it was not be though as Wasps defence held firm, and indeed their attack came into play as well on more than one occasion, sending Joe Ward over and Voyce in for a deserved hat-trick.

This was an enjoyable game to watch, and the fact that we'd already been relegated made this much easier to enjoy on a different level. The sun was shining, the dancers were dancing, the rugby was free flowing and effervescent, and apart from taking the step down to ND1 next year, much was right with the world. Even the referee had a pretty good game all things considered!

I thought it was an excellent gesture from Hoops when he finished to remove his boots and give them to one of the kids on the wall as a way of saying goodbye to a club that's been his home for five seasons, and indeed all the players' appreciation for the fans in the South Stand was a gesture well received. It will have been an odd day for those players who are moving on, and I hope they look upon their time with Leeds with fondness.

So next season we will be visiting the likes of Otley (congratulations on the promotion), Doncaster, Cornish Pirates, Exeter and Nottingham, and of course our old favourite rivals, Rotherham. We have been reminded by those in the national league that the standard has improved since we won it. The standard of the Premiership has also improved, and our team will be that much better for it. Winning ND1 is no easy matter, and it will be tough. But it will be an enjoyable experience watching this set of players attempting to do just that.

I almost can't wait for summer to end!!!

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