FROM one big occasion to another, the end of this season is certainly not getting any easier!

Each game is requiring a huge effort physically and mentally to maintain the high standards that have been recently set by the squad, and we are determined to end on a high.

With so much promise going into the semi-final it was even more disappointing for all those involved – from the players, management and the faithful fans that travelled up.

The result didn't show our recent form after beating some great teams away from home but it was more the manner in which we lost that was frustrating, and it being a missed opportunity to create history.

Edinburgh – who we play again on May 8 – certainly did their homework on us and you have to give them credit in the way they performed in their own backyard.

We have had some close calls in recent years in Murrayfield and that has largely been down to the set-piece being severely tested.

The lineout has been a continually developing strength for us this season and even this struggled at times on Friday.

Having the ability to be able to dictate the field management by kicking to corners and constantly building pressure is something that we have been working on throughout the season.

When we manage that aspect of the game we have had the exceptional performances leading to great victories and at the professional level it is all about building pressure and taking points when they are there.

Unfortunately Edinburgh were the only ones to do this and that is what led to the final result.

The boys will be keen to put things right against the Scarlets tomorrow.

Derby games always have that added incentive to play well, and on a big stage like the Millennium Stadium it will only increase the will to win.

It is another game that I am really disappointed not to be a part of.

Last year the build up to Judgement Day throughout the week was fantastic and even though we didn’t quite get the result we wanted the game was played at a great tempo and this year we are aiming to get that first win at the Millennium Stadium.

This week was the week I had been looking forward to for what seemed an age as I had the wire removed from my wrist and a small elbow clean out at St Joseph’s hospital and all has gone well to date.

Having this 'MOT' now should enable me to start the new season with those niggles gone and gives me the chance to catch up physically.

‘Now the hard work starts' is what the doctors have said so getting the range back in both joints is now key to being fully fit come the dreaded pre-season start time end of June.

Working with Newport RFC over the last few weeks has been a great insight into the world of coaching and getting things in place ready for next year has been a challenge.

Finalising the squad and planning the pre-season are priorities. It is therefore sad to see old stalwarts such as Sam Waldren, Dai Patterson and Adam Frampton leave the club after such great careers spent at the Parade and replacing them will not be an easy feat. Ending the season on a high is therefore just as vital for both Newport RFC and the Dragons for the progress for next season, and for the boys who are leaving at the end of this year.

Rugby can seem like a roller coaster ride with turbulent ups and downs and it is sad to see when players have to hang up their boots prematurely.

Our captain Lee Byrne has had a career that most would be envious of and I know for a fact that he was keen to lead the boys out once again.

Watching him in the gym rehabbing and trying to get back for the past few months (and then joining him for the past 12 weeks) has been frustrating for all involved.

As a player he added a professional attitude and all the boys will wish him the best for the future.