The Lancashire County RFU’s 21st Awards Dinner was held on Friday 10th June at Preston Grasshoppers RUFC.
The event was well supported with 13 tables full of guests from Clubs, Schools and Lancashire Committee members and players.
The nominated Charity for the event was The Injured Player’s Foundation which gives instant and lifelong help to those players suffering a catastrophic injury resulting in paralysis or lifelong injury
The President Mr Tim Stirk and the Senior Vice president Mr Tom Fitzgerald welcomed the keynote speaker Mr John Mackness who gave an informative and entertaining account about his own experiences as a beneficiary of The Injured Players Foundation. John was injured over 50 years ago at the age of 21 playing for Nottingham University.
Numerous awards - and the much coveted maroon velvet caps - were presented to our male and female players representing the County and England at Under 20s level. Included in this elite group was Jake Pope who is currently on standby for Under 20s World Cup duty. Of equal importance, to a sport that is predominantly played in the colder months of the year, was an award for the Groundsman of the Year which went to Graham McClee from Widnes RUFC.
It was also encouraging to see an award for the Best Emerging School that has successfully introduced Rugby Union to its sports curriculum. This year’s honours went to Standish High School. Kirkham Grammar School took the Lancashire Schools award. Best Junior Club was Southport RUFC and Senior Club was Sedgeley Park RUFC.
All in all a very pleasant evening that marked the end of another very successful season for Lancashire Rugby.
Jayne Dolloway