nice shot will - a couple of comments about your opinion that selective desat cost you score. I think there are a couple of other reasons that some may voted you down - the crop seems a bit tight on the top of the head and the brickwork seems to prevent the shot from really seeing the motion - if that makes sense. Also, some voters hate borders of any type and your choice of the yellow piping there just adds to it.
Personally, I like the shot and would have given you a 6 or 7 if I ended up voting. Cheers!