Walking back up the A49 towards wherever I parked is usually a great feeling. Today, it was very different. Listening to the ramblings of Saints fans, some angry, some upset, some passive, and watching the joy on the face of the Huddersfield fans, it was a bitter sweet pill.

So THIS is the magic of the cup?

Nothing typified it more than a young boy in a Huddersfield shirt, clutching the hand of his father asking "Daddy, can we go to Wembley?"

The reply

"Of course, son. Of course."

Saints fans have been spoilt for over a decade with glory, days out, trophies and smiles. Since 1996, Saints have enjoyed it all. It appears now the time is here for the baton to be passed around, potentially yearly, as the salary cap starts to bear fruition.

Echoes of 2005's abysmal semi-final against Hull rang around the Halliwell Jones, as Huddersfield wrestled Saints into submission. All week, there was that feeling you get of, "shit!" That feeling that has been rare to Saints' fans. A lack of confidence.

Huddersfield's mammoth pack wore Saints down, in attack, it just didn't seem to click. The week long feeling transpired on the day into a severe case of blues in the South Stand.

All credit has to go to Huddersfield, only an idiot would attempt to take it away from them. Saints fans continued to show their ability to take defeat gracefully, wilful smiles and best wishes based onto the departing Giants fans. Hardly the greatest reward they earned today, but another fine display of the rugby league spirit.

But for Saints. James Graham, haunched over on his own symbolised the feelings inside many a hardcore Saints fan. Very rarely have I felt those I stand with say everything by saying nothing. Glum faces, heads in hands, and a feeling of a love lost.

This is magic of the cup. Reinvigorated by fresh blood, two sides whose fans are starving for success, and who, irrespective of league form, have deserved their place in the Cup Final.