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Injuries and inexperience dent premiers' season

Failing to make the Jubilee Cup semi-finals was a disappointment, says premier coach Clayton MacMillan, but he believes the skill, attitude and enthusiasm of the players will ensure MSP is a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons.

A heavy injury toll, particularly in the second round, was frustrating and put a major dent in the team's prospects, he says. Around 40 players took the field for the premiers during the year. Just Ryan Setefano and Joe Wright started every game, while Charlie Graham also played in all 18 matches.

"It's not making excuses, but injuries, especially in the front row, had a major effect," Clayton says.

The team showed what it was capable of in critical first-round matches, such as the 40th anniversary clash with HOB Marist and the final game against Old Boys Uni to avoid the Hardham Cup. In the second round, they reversed earlier defeats against Wainui and Petone.

He says the team is "a great bunch of guys, eager to learn and enthusiastic". However, the lack of experience in key positions told in games when the pressure went on. The team also lacked size, so strengthening and conditioning work, along with recruitment, will be a big focus in the off-season.

The season was the first taste of Wellington club rugby for Clayton, a former Bay of Plenty captain and No 8.

"The level here is pretty high. It's a more balanced competition that what I was used to in the Bay. The top eight here can all beat each other on a given day."

He learnt a lot and has a sense of unfinished business, he says.

"There's potential for MSP to have a huge impact in years ahead and I'd like to be part of that."

Injuries and inexperience dent premiers' season

Failing to make the Jubilee Cup semi-finals was a disappointment, says premier coach Clayton MacMillan, but he believes the skill, attitude and enthusiasm of the players will ensure MSP is a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons.

A heavy injury toll, particularly in the second round, was frustrating and put a major dent in the team's prospects, he says. Around 40 players took the field for the premiers during the year. Just Ryan Setefano and Joe Wright started every game, while Charlie Graham also played in all 18 matches.

"It's not making excuses, but injuries, especially in the front row, had a major effect," Clayton says.

The team showed what it was capable of in critical first-round matches, such as the 40th anniversary clash with HOB Marist and the final game against Old Boys Uni to avoid the Hardham Cup. In the second round, they reversed earlier defeats against Wainui and Petone.

He says the team is "a great bunch of guys, eager to learn and enthusiastic". However, the lack of experience in key positions told in games when the pressure went on. The team also lacked size, so strengthening and conditioning work, along with recruitment, will be a big focus in the off-season.

The season was the first taste of Wellington club rugby for Clayton, a former Bay of Plenty captain and No 8.

"The level here is pretty high. It's a more balanced competition that what I was used to in the Bay. The top eight here can all beat each other on a given day."

He learnt a lot and has a sense of unfinished business, he says.

"There's potential for MSP to have a huge impact in years ahead and I'd like to be part of that."

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