DESPITE missing out on promotion to Division 2 in the Yorkshire Men’s League, Wibsey Warriors have a lot to be content about following the conclusion of this year’s league campaign.

‘Warriors’ by name and Warriors by nature, the Bradford side battled heroically, but couldn’t get over the line against Greetland on Wednesday evening in the Division 3 play-off decider at Odsal.

A narrow 28-30 defeat on the big stage could knock the confidence of any side, but Nick Walker, manager of Wibsey, believes his side should be glowing after this season.

He said: “To be honest, it's been a really positive season and it has actually been the most successful season we've had for quite a few years now.

"It's obviously disappointing not to get over the line, but from where we've come from at the start of the season to now, it's been a massive success.

"The growth has been really positive and it has shaped us up for next season nicely."

Walker also feels the play-off decider at Odsal will prove to be a great learning curve for his side.

He said: "I think the biggest thing for me is that we've created a bit of a culture again at the club.

"We've got a good group of young lads and the vast majority of them are under 20, and we've got a squad who know the club inside out.

"Because we've got such a young group, it did take a bit of time for our players to adjust, but when they did it all clicked into gear and that's why we finished as strong as we did.

"The Wibsey culture is back which is hugely satisfying, and to play that final decider at Odsal was a special moment for the club and the players.

"Although we lost the game, that kind of experience lasts with players for a long time and it will only make them better.

"For a lot of our players, it was their first time stepping on to that Odsal pitch, so it was a huge occasion for them and they will learn more from an experience like that, than lets say a normal league loss."

Walker added: "To combine the Odsal experience with the form they showed throughout the season, it can only bode well for the future of the team.

"I am extremely confident that we will fly up the divisions again."

Speaking of Wibsey's plans for the off-season, Walker said: "At the minute we're focusing on the end of season presentation and at the end of October we've got the end of season do in Blackpool.

"We'll definitely have a couple of months out, but we will then look to bring in some light sessions, maybe with a bit of touch and pass to ensure we keep that team moral that we've built.

"I'm concious that we can't have too long off because as I mentioned, the shape of the squad towards the end of the season was fantastic.

"It's all about keeping that momentum going when heading into the new campaign, and with the right additions and right build up, I'm confident we can have another great season."