I AM writing this column before our trip to Bristol last night and am hoping the Warriors supporters will turn out in their masses for next Wednesday’s second leg at Sixways.

I trust we gave account of ourselves at Ashton Gate and whatever happens in the second leg of the Championship final next week, it has been an interesting season.

I arrived at Sixways in the summer with the aim of leading the club back into the Premiership and I have enjoyed my season as captain and met some great people.

As many know, the supporters club have held their annual awards and Ben Howard was a deserved winner of the young player of the season honour.

Ben has had a good season and played quite a bit of rugby with Chris Pennell being out injured at various times.

Ben is one to watch for the future. He’s got talent and it’s important he is mentally strong because he’s a top-quality performer.

I agree with the supporters who chose Sam Betty as the player of the season. Sam is an excellent player and you know what you are going to get with him.

Sam always gives 100% and is a fantastic character to have around the club. He has been outstanding for us – and thoroughly deserved the honour.

Playing at home to Moseley was my first competitive game at Sixways and it seems a long time ago now. I was struggling back from my sister’s wedding in South Africa.

Winning 47-7 at Rotherham Titans is a match which springs to my mind. It was the first team debut for Perry Humphreys and we opened up a 37-0 lead at half-time.

Sam Betty and I had a big collision of heads as we teamed up to make a tackle. It’s the first time I have had stitches inserted without any anaesthetic. There wasn’t much left after Sam was treated!

I remember scoring two tries as we found it hard to beat Plymouth Albion in November and we edged past Jersey at Sixways after giving away nine penalties in the final 20 minutes.

We had a tough game at Yorkshire Carnegie in the final game of the year before I went back to South Africa to get married.

We were 14-0 down but showed character to get back into the match Sam Smith, who came to my wedding, finished with four tries.

We were outstanding in a 58-3 win at Nottingham in February when Andy Symons had one of his best games.

We can’t forget the Aviva A-League final in January against Saracens Storm which we lost 27-19. We paid for a slow start and trailed 21-0 after 26 minutes.

But the final – and the manner of the loss - proved a big learning experience for the lads because they responded to win the British and Irish Cup.