Respected coach Niall Thomson reckons Spalding RFC can be proud of their efforts in Midlands Two East (N) this season.
Town finished on a whopping 93 points after winning 19 of their 23 matches, but despite thrashing Bakewell 70-13 on Saturday, they fell four points shy of eventual champions Belgrave.
That leaves Spalding – who will face Scunthorpe in the Lincs Cup final on May 5 – facing a promotion play-off against Newbold on Avon on Saturday week.
Promotion back to Midlands One East has always been Town’s aim this term, but Thomson insists that it won’t define their campaign.
He said: “We only lost twice and drew once. If you’d have offered me that before the season, I’d probably have taken it. I’m a bit of a perfectionist and always want us to win every game.
“But, given the selection problems we’ve faced, I’d say we’ve done bloody well.
“We continue to punch well above our weight and the players deserve immense credit. They’ve worked incredibly hard.
“The likes of Harry Sharman, Andy Hoyles and George Brown have shown mature leadership – and the youngsters we’ve blooded, the likes of Josh Finch, James West and Harry Harrison, have responded.
“With a play-off and the Lincs Cup final to come, it’s fair to say we’re hitting form at just the right time.
“It’s no exaggeration to say we could have scored 100 points on Saturday.”