IT has been a busy weekend at Okehampton's Rugby Club with the annual Club Ladies night on Friday at the clubhouse for about 70 of the club's ladies.

Normally the ladies provide the teas for the players or catering for sponsors lunches or other club functions, but this night was especially for them. The evening, organised by Brenda Campbell and Hilary Lee, was a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by all, and included a performance by Chris James, who is a mind reader and psychological entertainer. A donation of £200 is being made to the CLIC Sargent charity from the proceeds of the evening.

Club secretary Dave Potter said: 'The club is grateful for the ladies efforts throughout the season and their contribution to the success of club events is enormous.

With the 2011-2012 season over, it was time for the club to sit back and reflect on the successes and to look forward to September.

The first XV finished fifth in the Western Counties League repeating the previous season's position and showing that the club has consolidated its position in the higher league. The second XV had its toughest season for several years and despite working hard, finished in the lower half of Devon Merit one. The Colts came second in their league and only narrowly lost to Ivybridge Colts in the play-off final.

The annual club awards night was held on Saturday when the awards for the past season were made.

The player of the year award was presented to Neil Perrott by Peter Holman, construction director of Persimmon Homes South West, the club's main sponsor for the past two seasons.

Head coach Brett Luxton said that Neil exemplified the spirit of the club and had put in some brilliant performances over the past season.

Other awards presented were: most improved player and Supporters awards, Sam Turner; first XV coaches award, Paul Lawrence; top try scorer, Kevin Dennis; best performance, Alex Dennis v Exeter Saracens; the Ewen's award for the most improved young player. Jordan Lee.

Ian Langbridge, club captain for the past five seasons, is stepping down. Ian's tenure has seen the club promoted to the Western Counties league and consolidate its position at the higher level. Gareth Espin has been nominated to succeed Ian as club captain.

Non playing awards went to secretary Dave Potter who received the president's award for his work behind the scenes at the club from president Angela Pengelly, and the B J Barkwell award went to John Shields for his work to find new playing resources for the club.

Second XV player of the year was Simon Griffith. The second XV coaches award went to Jack Barkwell.

The Colts have had a great season, finishing second in the Devon Colts' league and only narrowly losing to Ivybridge Colts in the League play-off final. The Colts' player of the season was Dean Folland and Henry Cooper was the players' player; the most improved player, Jake Barbour; Colts' coaches award, Dean Andrews.