Years of preparation and development led Gareth Phoenix and his team to their first ever participation in the holy grail of X11, the XCL.
After winning the Xpert International league at their first attempt the stage was set, however no one could foresee the harsh cards that were to be dealt Gentlemens Practice as an incredible amount of injuries eventually saw Phoenix's small squad depleted and even compounded by suspensions. However GP seemed to ride out their first spate of injuries well after topping their group undefeated.
Manager Phoenix speaks:
"It's been the toughest of seasons physically on the lads. Mentally we all relished three games a week. This team I've assembled has that mentality and that's why we have the belief that we can go as far as possible.
"After a disappointing start to the league our XCL form balanced us out. We discussed our league form and decided a way of rectifying it which in the short term we did. But with seven different players having detrimental injuries when you have a squad of just fourteen you will struggle. There is no other way in looking at it.
"Maybe this is just another learning curve and to be honest, how the teenagers had to dive in on such a big stage and perform as well as they could will only bode them well.
"I'd like to congratulate Athletico Maaakid who were by far the better side and their manager who was nothing short of incredible with his formation picks. We wish them all the best in the tournament.
"Now we need to continue our league form as of late and try to make sure we are safe this season after our dreadful start left us in a mess.
"We remain in the Cup into the fifth round. All this after entering in the first and if one thing's for sure, the league and XCL has done nothing but make us hungrier for success."