Westbury Rugby Club held its end of season Annual Dinner and presentation of awards on Saturday 27th April at their Knott Field Clubhouse.
The chairman, Gareth Vaughan, thanked both the players and non-playing members of the club for their hard work in making the season such a success.
The club had only lost one game at home and won 18 of their 22 league fixtures, scoring 722 points and conceding 239 a difference of 483. On the way, Westbury were the only team to beat the eventual league winners Frome 2nd XV.
The club reports, “The captain’s award for the player of the year was given to Christopher Nash for his unstinting commitment to the team, both in training and in match situation.
“The colt of the year went to Hayden Adams who in his first season of senior rugby had shown that he had ability beyond his years.
“The most improved player was given to Koro Sitiveni who at the start of the season reignited his playing career and had become a regular in the team. His game play had gone from strength to strength.
“The clubman of the year was Michael Tuck for both his work as a player on the pitch and as a volunteer.
“The supporter of the year award is given by the players. This year they wanted to rather than give it to one person, but to give it to four people to share. Known as the “Gang of Four”, these guys can be seen on the touchline either at home or away matches in all weathers. Perhaps they should be described as “senior” supporters of the club. Trevor Dunn, Bruce Hewitson, Chris Pearce and Terry Smith will get to share the trophy, with thanks from all of the players.
“The most valuable person award was given to Margaret “Maggie” Earney for her unstinting work and many hours spent in the kitchen, preparing the after-match food for the players and also a supply of hot pies for supporters.
“The coaches’ seat of achievement went to full back Ashley Hart for his hard work in making the full back position his own.
“The personality of the year was won by centre Lee McClerg who in his first season with the club has proved to be popular with both the players and the supporters.
“The long service award was given to Mathew Inseal who has played as a senior since 2001 and before that, was a regular in the junior team.
“The players’ player award was given to Daniel Heatley. Dan is one of those players that exude confidence and the players seem to raise their game when he is on the pitch.
“The chairman’s shield was presented to team captain, Aaron Vaughan, for his hard work in leading the team on the pitch and in training. It is through Aaron’s efforts that each of the individual players has morphed into a very tight knit squad.
“Finally there was a special award for prop forward Chris Pearce. Chris is part of the front row trio of Michael Tuck, Jack Bates and himself who have started every match this season.
“Chris has been playing for the club since 2007 and still puts in a solid performance at loose head prop. For his loyalty to the club, again both on and off the pitch, Chris was awarded a Club Honours Tie. This tie is only given on rare occasions and is held in high esteem by the club members and supporters.
“There will be a short break for about a month, then pre-season training will start in June. Meanwhile the club will be holding its annual Men’s and Ladies’ Tens Tournament to be held on the weekend of 24th – 27th May at Knott Field, where as well as the rugby, there will be live music, children’s play area and arts and crafts.”
