If the Sunshine Coast Stingrays’ third Premier Rugby season was judged solely on what’s in the win column on the ladder it would clearly be a failure.

Only two victories, with just two rounds remaining, is another poor return from the ’Rays, who had targeted finishing halfway up the table.

But to focus solely on the win-loss record would be very unfair to the 2007 side, which is clearly superior to the two versions that went before it.

Watching the Coast lose 35-27 to University at Cotton Tree on Saturday afternoon, left me with this feeling:

The Stingrays aren’t that far away from being a very decent Premier Rugby side.

The forward pack, in the games I have seen, has rarely looked outclassed by its opposition.

Often it has finished on top or at least level.

Keeping it together for next year would be a good start for whoever comes in as coach to replace David Clark.

Recruiting a couple of creative backline talents, who can help turn possession into points, would be just as significant.

Everyone who has a connection with Coast rugby has to remain patient with the Stingrays.

Starting a new club in Queensland’s elite competition is not an easy task, and no-one should expect them to challenge for a finals place for at least a couple more years.

However, the signs are there that before the decade is out, the Stingrays will no longer be permanently placed at the bottom of the table.

This season there have been no 100-point thrashings and they won’t come close to conceding almost 1000 points like they did in their debut season.

With a trip to Brothers followed by a home game against Souths left to come, the points against tally sits on 703.

One more win, hopefully against Souths, would see the ’Rays surpass their total from last season. Slow progress that would be, but at least it is progress.

Probably the most exciting part of the fledgling club’s future is that it won’t be too long before those colts players who have been experiencing the Brisbane Colts 1 competition for the first time this year will be ready to step up to the seniors.

The colts gained their fourth win in 11 matches on Saturday, downing University 24-7.

“There’s been some very good performances put in by the colts team.

They’ve deserved everything they’ve got,” Clark said on Saturday.

“We have to keep them here and keep developing them.”

Fortunately for the Sting-rays, Clark, with all of his rugby knowledge and experience, will be staying on the Coast to help them along.

The most important decision they face is finding a new head coach who can build on the work that’s already been done.

It may be the most important appointment so far.

What the ’Rays also need is a little more help from those Coast clubs who are still reluctant to offer up a talented player or two to fill in for a week when asked.