DEREK Traynor paid tribute to his side’s guts following their 22-10 loss to Wigan in the Academy Grand Final.
“I thought our effort, determination and guts to keep digging in for each other was absolutely awesome but that 10 to 15 minute spell after half time left us with too much to do,” he said. “We gave away too many penalties and didn’t complete a set. It killed us really.
“We handled everything they threw at us in the first half even though we were on the back foot. We got on top a little bit and when we got in good ball position we looked threatening but we didn’t spend enough time up there.
“You could see Wigan had big game experience because of an older set of lads – but that is the way it goes. We had four top age kids and certainly missed Calvin Wellington and Regan Grace. We created space on the edges and they have the place to finish them off. That said, fair play to Wigan, our lads gave it everything and I couldn’t have asked for me.”
He continued: “The side have done well this year and a large group will move through with us. Five of the bottom age will go to Australia and the likes of Olly Davies, Matty Fleming and another couple will move up.
“It’s all about developing players though and we’ve had a few that have come through this year.
“Morgan Knowles has had a taste and shows he has the potential to kick on. Olly and Matty Flem have been up there as has Ricky (Bailey) and he will get another.
“There are others coming up behind and individually the players have improved too and that is what it is about.
“I’d finally like to thank the fans who throughout have given us good support – they’ve come over to Hull with us and were here tonight. It’s a shame we couldn’t give them something to cheer about but it is very much appreciated.”
