Celebrations and tributes at Westbury Rugby Club’s Annual Dinner

Westbury Rugby Club celebrated the end of another season with its annual dinner and prize-giving on Saturday 24th May. 

While the season may not have brought silverware, the club enjoyed a “moderately successful” year, marked by the revival of a 2nd XV team, consisting of some of the club’s veterans mixed with a cross section of younger players.   

Going forward, 2nd XV team captain, Geoff Wheeler, explained that it was planned to continue with the 2nd XV for next season by recruiting new players to the club and arranging more fixtures for the team.  

Retiring 1st XV captain, Michael Tuck, who is standing down after four years, said that after a lacklustre start to the season, the team had improved immensely in the second half of the season by having a much more concerted effort with a new training regime.   

He said thanks must go to the coaching team led by director of rugby, Simon Leat, and head coach Mark Ball, ably assisted by Jack Bates, Mat Inseal and Dan Ross.   

The club secured a mid-table finish, with hopes of maintaining their league position subject to upcoming RFU restructuring that will be starting next season. 

The prize winners were: – • 1st XV Captain’s Player of the Year – Sam Leat  • Supporter of the Year – Derek Harford • Clubman of the Year – Beth Dombkowski – for her work as club physio, as well as working behind the bar and her work on the social events in the club • Personality of the year – Jordan Chidlow • Most Improved Player – James Leat  • The coaches presented Niall Fagan with the ‘Coaches Seat of Achievement’ • Young Player of the Year – James Pickford • Players’ Player of the Year – Naill Fagan • 2nd XV Player of the Year – Alex Pearce 

Finally, Michael Tuck was presented with the Chairman’s Shield and a Club Honours Tie for his work as captain of the 1st XV, and his willingness to help wherever needed within the club.