ANOTHER season for Worcestershire Saints has ended and once again it has ended with the side struggling for consistency both in form and team selection.

On the plus side the moral 'victory' over Coventry Bears was perhaps the side's best performance of the season with a strong defence backed up by three tries.

And they can also point to running Manchester Knights to a good game in their final home match of the season.

Unfortunately, on the debit side, Saints conceded 50 points on three occasions and other hefty defeats, often caused by the side being slow off the blocks.

Looking back through the matches, the number of times they conceded early tries was far too often and that was always going to count against them.

Skipper Jason Spafford again led by example and his attitude certainly rubbed off on a number of his charges.

His enthusiasm for the game knows no bounds and his efforts on and off the pitch was a credit to him.

Richard Whitehouse again showed why he was selected for representative honours last season, finishing top of the try scorer's list as well as notching up numerous conversions. He would shine further if he played in a winning team.

Because of his home base being in the County, that winning team will have to be Saints -- but what do they need to do to be successful?

The key is continuity. Captain Spafford has a good group of players who are learning the game all the time and will become better players with experience.

The need for a settled line up is apparent though if the side is to progress. They also need more strength. They have skill and commitment, but a strong presence to go with Neil Gulliver is a must, as is a consistent try scorer.

Whitehouse scored ten tries, which is a splendid effort, but his colleagues were no match for him.

Danny Badham missed the second half of the season and Graham Evans scored three of his tries in one game. To be fair to the rest they all missed games and this is something that needs to be sorted out.

A settled side leads to familiarity between players and confidence comes from this.

Until Saints get this, inspite the quality of the players on show, they will continue to struggle.

Tries: Richard Whitehouse 10, Danny Badham 6, Graham Evans 4, Leon Jammal 2, Phil Jefferies 2, Richard Jenkinson 2, Brett Toole 2, Martin Wiltshire 2, Neil Gulliver 1, Kenny Hadley 1, Chris Nelson 1, Matt Poole 1, Peter Quinn 1, Jason Spafford 1, Jimmy Stone 1, Lee Tuplin 1, Mick Weaver 1, AN Other 1.

Conversions: Richard Whitehouse 21.