Newton Aycliffe Presentation dinner
May
Newton Aycliffe RUFC have closed their 2007/2008 season with a well attended awards presentation evening at the Kings Head Hotel in Darlington.
The club has just completed a successful 49th season and is already preparing for its 50th anniversary season in earnest.
As well as club officials and players there were several guests amongst the throng. This included past and new sponsors for next season. Namely the Aston Hotel Darlington, and Electrolux Serviceforce, the Mortgage Advice Centre, Hayward Home Appliances and the Cordell Group.
Members of the Durham RFU and Durham Referees Society who have had close ties with the club over the years were also present in numbers.
All were entertained by guest speaker, former England and British Lions player Mr John Bentley, who even suggested he may play a cameo role in a game next season as he has become a firm friend of the club. Albeit he was under the influence at the time.
Despite losing the last league game to local rivals Darlington Mowden Park 3rds, the club had a success rate of over 60% wins throughout the season. Credit is due to the younger players, who have played together well with the ever decreasing older number of stalwarts keeping them in check. Without doubt, if Aycliffe were to have an influx of big forwards in particular front row players the team will be a force to reckon with next season. Narrowly missing out being Durham Junior League champions has not dampened anyone’s spirit.
The players have concluded the season with a tour to Huddersfield.
The annual awards recipients were well chosen and it is fitting to recognise these players for their individual awards.
The Chairman’s award went to back row forward, Keith Greenwood
Most Improved Player (Peter Lancaster Memorial Trophy) went to wing Sam Daltry.
Legend Award went to Keith Greenwood.
Most points scored went to team captain, fly-half Gareth Parsonage.
Lastly but by no means least, no fewer than three prestigious awards went to former centre now converted to back row forward Andy Newman. Andy is currently serving with the RAF in Afghanistan only just having left the UK to go on duty a week before the awards evening. His trophies were received by his partner Nicola and included, the President’s Trophy, Top Try Scorer and the one that everyone likes to get, that is voted by his fellow players, The Player’s Player Award. Well done to all!
Any senior player who would like to train and play for Newton Aycliffe next season, can ring the club coach. Bob Malvern 07951157291. All players of any standard will be made most welcome. For full club details feel free to browse our website on www.ayclifferugby.co.uk
