Men’s 5th Team – Head Coach Season Review
I have mixed feelings towards this season. Hugely enjoyable as always but with some very frustrating performances mixed in. After a great win in Varsity, We started the season poorly with defeats to Dundee 5’s, RGU 3’s and the 4’s. We managed to get our first win v the 6’s which we then backed up by beating Strathclyde 4’s away on penalties then beating Heriot Watt 6’s 6-0 in the Conference Plate to reach the Quarter Finals for the second season in a row. To end the semester we lost narrowly 1-0 to Dundee 4’s in a game where we deserved something from. First game of the 2nd semester was away to UHI, a 2-2 draw was probably a fair result. Next up was the Quarter Final away to Heriot Watt 5’s. After drawing 1-1 in ninety minutes, we lost on penalties. We then lost to Dundee 3’s away in a game where we deserved more due to the chances we created on the day. To end the season we had two games in two days due to postponements. First up a 5-1 win v Abertay 3’s at home. Less than 24 hours later we lost to Aberdeen 5’s away. In the league I feel we deserved more from some of the games but the table doesn’t lie and we didn’t win enough games to finish higher.
From a personal point of view, this was my fourth year involved in the programme and it’s fair to say it’s been the most challenging but enjoyable season to date. The players have really bought into what the programme is all about which has been shown by their commitment and workrate throughout. To continuously be able to work with the players and learn from other coaches on how to make my sessions better and improve not only the team but myself as a coach is one of the main reasons why this programme works so well.
The highlight of the season was the cup run. Reaching the Quarter Finals of the Conference plate was a great achievement and experience for the lads. We made ourselves and the University proud by getting to that stage of the competition.
Looking forward, I hope to see as many of this year’s team move higher up the programme and to be able to continue working with players while building on this first year I’ve had as 5th team coach.
Lastly, I would like to thank all the players this season for their hard work and effort. Especially those who are leaving us this year. I wish them all the best in their future and hope they look back at their time involved at the uni with good memories.
ASAW
Darren Hunter
5th Team Head Coach
