WESTBURY Ladies Rugby Club topped the league this season gaining promotion. They celebrated with an end of year awards ceremony praising players and volunteers for their hard work over the season.
On Friday 27th April the ladies, volunteers, sponsors and guests convened at Knott Field for the end of season awards presentation.
Claire Bates, chairwomen for the ladies said, “This year’s Westbury Ladies’ club dinner was the culmination of a fantastic season seeing the ladies win the league for the second time and gaining promotion.
“The awards for this year included: The chairwoman’s shield, which was awarded to captain Anna Hemingway for her work on and off the field to keep the club running; personality of the year went to Lauren Balchin as she has settled in to the team quickly, despite it being her first season; mrs motivator was awarded to Emma Samways for her heartwarming speeches and caring nature towards all members of the team; Westbury warrior forward was won by Maddie Bias as she has greatly stepped up her game this season; Westbury warrior back was awarded to Chantelle Rugman for the second year in a row; despite her only starting rugby recently she plays as though she has been a Westbury lady for many seasons; most improved player went to Lizzie Clancy who has not only gained in skill, but gained in confidence wearing the number twelve shirt; coaches’ player was awarded to Katie Vaughan who in her second season has come on leaps and bounds in confidence and displays one of the best tackling techniques in the team; captain’s player was awarded to Lucy Harper who dedicates everything to the team despite having a tight schedule off the pitch and finally, players’ player was awarded to Becs Lamb who has had an outstanding season for the ladies, a player the team simply could not do without.
“I am so proud of how the team have performed this year and I cannot wait for the challenge that lies ahead of us next season.
“Having been undefeated at home for three seasons, I hope that this will continue to be an area of strength for us.
“The awards night was not only to celebrate the hard work of the team, but also the dedicated volunteers that we have at the club, so a massive thank you to everyone that made not only the night but the year truly special.”
Captain Anna Hemingway, who will be stepping down this season said, “It has been a pleasure to captain Westbury Ladies for the last three seasons with two league wins and one coming second!
“As a team we have worked so hard and it’s amazing to see it being paid off by getting a promotion. The team have a special bond that everyone works hard at to achieve the great things we have.”
