All Credit to Catalans

Their 44-0 defeat to Wigan was a disappointing way to end the season for the Dragons, but there are many positives to take from the 2011 campaign. Firstly, they improved their final league position on last year by eight places. This was impressive as many followers of the game expected this term to be a time of transition, with the French club looking to build a consistent squad under their new and relatively inexperienced coach. This was made more impressive as they finished comfortably above big-spending clubs such as Bradford and Hull F.C. Also, they were a realistic threat on the top four throughout the season.

37-year-old Steve Menzies has been key to their success this term

Another positive is that they were the only team to complete a Super League double over Wigan. In the process of doing this, they recorded their biggest ever away victory at the D.W Stadium, scoring 47 points against the league's second best defence and limiting the second best attackers to just 12 points in their home victory.

All of this success came with a team dominated by French nationals, with 21 of their 30 man squad holding a French passport. This not only leaves French rugby with a feeling of optimism, but gives evidence for success in the expansion initiative of the sport, in spite of the demise of Toulouse and Crusaders from the forefront the English game.

I hope this undeserved defeat does not overshadow the significant strides that have been made by this rapidly improving team.