Kristian Ross will be writing for HoR2 on Ulster's progress next season; here he looks back over the one just gone.
At last we come to the end of another terrific season of rugby, a season which every Ulster fan could be proud of.
Did any of us think come May, that Ulster would be playing in a Heineken Cup final? Few would have. But having said that, Ulster deserved nothing less then a place in the final of Europe's premier competition beating the likes of Leicester Tigers and Munster on the way. Disappointment in the final of course, but losing to the best club team the northern hemisphere has ever seen was nothing to be ashamed of.
However the sweet moment of Dan Tuohy crashing over the line at Twickenham was something every man, woman or child from Ulster could be proud of. The whole adventure of the Heineken Cup from start to finish a total blast.
However we must not forget Ulster's PRO12 campaign. Ravenhill became a fortress last season, wins over current champions Ospreys becoming the norm. The resting of players definitely took it's toll on Ulster come the end of the season, and the defeat to interprovinicial rivals Connacht spelled the end of a well fought PRO12 playoff push.
And in my opinion the highest praise for Brian McLaughlin, who's contribution well never be forgotten. And I'm sure no Ulster fans well forget Stefan Terblanche and Pedrie Wannenburg, and wish the all the best in the future.
To sum up, the entire season was simply fantastic, from countless kicks from Pienaar to trips to Dublin and London, I'm sure every single Ulster fan will never forget 2011/12.
I'm Kristian. 18. And my mind is filled with rugby shaped thoughts. Supporting Ulster Rugby, Newcastle Falcons and of course the mighty Ireland. Tommy Bowe is the MAN !!!! SUFTUM.
© JL Pagano 2012
