We will have to go into that campaign with better numbers out at training (only eight on many Tuesdays and not many more on Thursdays) and we will need better luck on the injury front.
The lack of preparation showed once again at West Leeds where the home backs looked slick and organised whenever they got the ball, and where we again failed to cross the whitewash when camped on the opposition line and forcing a string of penalties.
West Leeds ran in six tries in their 38-13 win despite the visitors having the better share of possession – especially in the second half.
Other results meant that next week's final game at Huddersfield YMCA is now a mere formality - Brinkburn set to host Durham and Northumberland One rugby for the very first time.
In a season dogged by injury, we suffered another blow when winger Adam Peacock succumbed to a stomach bug with Craig Swales having to be driven down the A1 to become the 43rd player to wear a first team shirt this season.
In a game we had to win we got off to the worst possible start. With just two minutes on the clock home full Steffan James came into the line and cut inside to give former England rugby league winger Mark Calderwood an easy run in.
Fly half Dale Breakwell missed the conversion, and there was brief hope when Gavin Painter slotted a 48 metre penalty.
However, it was the Leeds side who continued to look threatening whenever their backs got the ball, and Calderwood got his second after a smart move from a scrum on the visiting 22.
It was no surprise when they added to their tally after 25 minutes – this time centre Tom Jackson going in under the posts after quick ball from a line-out .
Painter again reduced the arrears with a penalty before Leeds got their bonus try five minutes before the break - courtesy of an inside pass from Calderwood to fly half Breakwell.
We turned round 26-6 down, and it became mission impossible three minutes into the half when winger Dan Booth finished off a flowing move by diving over in the corner.
The visitors refused to give up and began to dominate the set-piece. We got our reward on the hour with Scott Butcher taking advantage of a slick pass from the classy Gavin Painter to go over to bring the score to 33-13.
Sadly, that was to be the end of the scoring for the visitors. We camped out in the home 22 for the closing quarter of the game earning a free kick and five penalties in a row as we pressed for another score.
However, a mixture of excellent tackling from Leeds, and referee Sean White's reluctance to award a penalty try, meant we had nothing to show for the commitment.
Liam Checksfield did touch down after an excellent crossfield kick from Zac Southern, but the West winger was judged to have been in front of the kicker.
Almost inevitably it was the home side who added to the score when a break from their own half up the right wing saw Jackson get his second.
West Leeds: Steffan James, Dan Booth, Sam Neave, (capt), Tom Jackson, Mark Calderwood, Dale Breakwell, Joe Bedford, Duane Smith, Archi Rika-Jones, Steve Anderson, Danny Baxter, Scott Coyne, Lewis Bromley, Jamie Cockin, James Salter
Reps (all used) Dan Bird, Angus Milbourne, Rian Hoey.
Tries: Calderwood (2), Jackson (2), Booth, Breakwell.
Cons: Breakwell (3)
Yellow: Milbourne.
West Hartlepool: Will Hilditch, Liam Checksfield, Peter Youll, Gavin Painter, Matt Tyers, Zac Southern, Matt Siddle, Alex Key, Adam Brown, Andrew Rollins (captain), Jake Linighan, John Bunter, Chris Atkins, Scott Butcher, Andrew Turner.
Reps (all used): Craig Swales, Joe Rafferty, Adam Coates.
Tries: Butcher.
Con. Painter (1)
Pens: Painter (2)
Referee : Sean White, (Yorkshire)