STEVE DIAMOND's first defeat since he took charge of the Men in Black could not have come in more agonising fashion.

"Obviously it was very disappointing not to have made the semi-finals," said a dejected Diamond. "On the day we didn't deserve to progress as Brive just shaded it, but it was close.

"We have to look back to the home leg last week really, where we didn't make the most of our chances, which ultimately cost us.

"Saying that, the game couldn't have been much closer. Going into extra-time with points and tries tied the effort was exceptional but the application wasn't quite up to the required levels."

For the full story, including captain Simon Raiwalui's view, don't miss this week's edition of the Watford Observer.