Co Vice Captain Danny Owenson speaks about the season past in our latest end of the season interview.
Q: It was the first time Musselburgh were playing top flight rugby in 33 years, did you feel any pressure to make an impact and what were your expectations for the season?
"I think that this year was a huge year for the Club, and I think that the expectation from every player was to stay in the league, so there was a bit of pressure there of course. As a squad I think that we perform at our best when our backs are against the wall. My personal expectation was for us to stay in the league. No one really knew what to expect from the four already in the league and going up in 6th place, the season was never going to be easy, so for me staying up was the only goal this year."
Q: Looking back to the first game of the season against Glasgow Hawks in the Scottish Cup, how confident were you of a win and getting the season off to the right start?
"When we have a full strength squad I think we are capable of beating anyone in this league so at the start of the year the feeling among the squad as we give everything against Hawks and we can win and give us some good momentum going into Hawick at home."
Q: The first half of the season had some ups and downs, where do you think the turning point was in the season?
"For me i think the Accies cup game was a real turning point. After they gave us a real do in at home, to go away with a lot of key players out missing and manage to stay in the game right up until the end gave us a bit of belief, that actually we can play at this level."
Q: What was your favourite game to play this season and why?
"Got to be Jed at home. Every thing just clicked that day. Forwards managed to get on top and gave us plenty ball to play with on the front foot, where we know how good we can be. It was the first and only comfortable game of the season. Unfortunately we let them back in it at the end but a really good performance 1 - 20, and always nice to beat Jed."
Q: Did you have any other favourite moments off the pitch this season?
"I personally really enjoyed the afters of the Currie match. I think that was one of our best performances of the season and brought a really successful year to an end. Hearing all of the former players thoughts, positive reaction to the game and enjoying a few beers mixed amongst some Club Greats was perfect way to end the season."
Q: The outbreak of COVID-19 unfortunately caused the season to be null and void. What were your initial feelings after hearing this decision?
"To be honest it still does not take away what a good tail end of the season we had. I think if all the remaining games would have been played we would have still been in the position we are now, which is staying in the Premiership. So I am still happy with the season overall."
Q: Knowing we will be definitely playing Premiership rugby again next year, what are your expectations for next season and what do you think will be different?
"I would like to see us push for a play off spot next season. Staying up gives us a really good chance to recruit. Hopefully we are able to get a good pre-season and hit the ground running when the season eventually begins. We will certainly have a lot more belief in ourselves next year. I think that the occasion of playing premiership rugby got to us at the start of last year, and after a year of playing this level we will know a bit more of what to expect and gain from that experience."