Justin Holbrook echoed the thoughts of Saints fans far and wide, young and old, when he said the Semi Final loss to Castleford was "heartbreaking".
Luke Gale kicked a Golden Point drop goal to seal the Tigers progress to the Grand Final.
“It was hard to take,” Justin said after the game, “I’m really disappointed we didn’t win. Obviously I am really proud of the boys; the way we kept on fighting was pleasing. We had to come back in the first half and we finished it well and then we finished the second half really well too. It is a cruel game at times and it cost us.
“We got off to a slow start but worked hard throughout the whole game to try and win it, so it is really disappointing we didn’t.
“To outscore a team like Cas five to three… they get the raps all year on their attack but on the back end of the year we weren’t too far behind them in the for and against stakes. We played plenty of good rugby ourselves tonight but it wasn’t to be.”
He continued: “Since I came here I have loved every minute. I challenged the players when I arrived on if they wanted to make something of the season and the choices they had to make to do that.
“They did it too, starting from Jon Wilkin as captain who led outstandingly. No one put a foot wrong. We fought to get into the four and then fought tonight.
“I am very proud of the playing group and it was good to see the fans stick around after the game and make the journey over in the first place too. It was good for the players to see that as it has been a weird old season for them. We know we have to start better next year.
“I’m shattered at the moment as I thought we had done enough. Even at the end; the short kick off is a lottery but we defend the set well then Benny Barba positions himself beautifully for the kick and then, well, it’s disappointing.
“It will take a while to get over this one but I love the playing group and I am looking forward to a full season here next year.”
