With 8 wins in 17 competitive matches  : EDF 2/3, HEC 3/4, GP 3/10, ‘could do better’ was probably a fair reflection, if one was writing a half term school report. Wasps’ GP results were particularly depressing.

The new year kicked off with a ‘local derby’ against those from the lesser Twickenham abode – the Hairy Queened ones. Wasps 21 – 3 to the good at HT had whetted the appetites of the capacity 10K crowd. It was a case of what might have been as Wasps finally won 21 – 18. Still a win and a win, at that, over the Hairy ones, was a welcome start to 2009.

The following week, Wasps returned to their second home for a crucial HEC encounter with Leinster. Leinster had struggled for fluency in recent weeks and hopes were high that Wasps could turn the tables following the disaster at the RDS.

An encouraging first half saw Wasps only 13 – 9 up at the break and uncontested scrums for the whole of the second 40. The game ended 19 – 12 to Wasps, but how crucial would the BP that Leinster gained, be in the final shake up.

On to Castres for the final Pool match and hopes were running high  that a win might just see Wasps through.

Sadly, it proved not to be as two glorious try scoring opportunities were butchered and Wasps ran out 15 – 21 losers and the HEC dream died for another year.

The first GP match of the VI Nations window was against Tigers at AP. This turned into what was probably the most exciting game of the season for the homes fans. 3 tries and a 30 – 14 lead just after halftime, had the makings of a first try BP of the season. Again, hopes were dashed as Leicester rallied and scored two more tries and take away two points from a 36 – 29 defeat.

The next game was at homes to Saints and can be best described as forgettable. A 9 – 5 victory lacked inspiration to say the least.

3 GP wins on the bounce should have been the catalyst for brighter things at Wuss but a last minute DG for the home side sent Wasps home, with yet another losing BP.

It was Irish who were the next visitors to AP and a 21 – 16 victory ensued for the home side. Again, much effort but little imagination. When was the first try BP going to happen?

Glaws away saw a fine effort at Castle Grim, but the home side proved too strong in a 24 – 22 victory. 10 points to the good at one stage, Wasps were outscored by 3 tries to 1 and it was a late kick by OB, that sealed the game for the home side.

A home game against the relegation threatened Bristol was next up and Wasps ran out, somewhat fortuitous victors, by 21 – 19. Outscored by 3 tries to two. This was the home chance to see the soon to be AP bound David Lemi and his try scoring potential.

A visit to Outer Watford followed and saw Wasps go down 14 – 19 to a late try. This was the first of 3 games in 8 days that were crucial to Wasps hopes of a top 6 finish. Again much effort but heroic defence by Sarries and lack of ideas cost Wasps dearly.

The second game in 4 days saw Wasps lose the rescheduled match at the Wreck by 22 points to 14. Again, having had the lead at one stage of the game but failure to close out, was now becoming a very common theme in Wasps season. This all but effectively ended any chance of a top 6 finish.

The third game of the 8 day trilogy saw Falcons come to AP.  The less said about this match the better – one of the poorest for entertainment value, ever seen at AP. Wasps won by 12 – 6, the only highlight being an audacious 52 metre drop goal by Danny.

Two games left and finally the Promised Land – a five try bonanza at Bristol yielding the first try BP of the season. A 36 – 18 victory saw Joe Simpson in sparkling form and Danny, beginning to rediscover the form he showed last season, before injury so cruelly took him out in the penultimate game.

The final game of the season was at home to Glaws. With hopes high of a winning swan song, Glaws duly arrived on the back of several defeats, the most noticeable being a 50 point drubbing at the hands of the Blues. Wasps started brightly and for once, the home crowd were treated to the sight of the team performing well and looking as though they were enjoying it. It was Josh’s farewell before K2 beckoned, the euro chasing contingent bade au revoir as well. Two tries to Riki, one for the Glaws bound Voycey with the clock running down, the fourth try eventually came courtesy of Shawsie. Final score 34 – 3.

A high note to end the season of really, what might (and should?) have been. A 7th place finish left Wasps clinging to a lifeline for a HEC slot next season – would Bourgoin oblige and defeat Stains in the ECC final? As Shaun said post match – none of the 4 sides in the playoffs would have fancied playing against Wasps, on current form.

The second half of the season was played 14, won 9.

8/12 in the GP was the telling statistic - compare that to 3/10 in the first half.

Ability to close games out, score tries, play creative rugby were a common thread during 2008/9 season.

Lions selected, England and Saxons squads to be named would see more than a handful of Wasps plying their trade around the globe during the summer months. Good luck guys and stay free of injury. To those leaving the nest, Bon Voyage!!!!

What would be the vision for 2009/10?

See Part III for ‘What happens next !!!’

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