OKEHAMPTON Rugby Club held its annual awards night dinner in its clubhouse. The club had a successful season finishing fifth in the South West one League, the highest position ever achieved by the club since the league format was started.

The seconds and Colts XVs did not fare as well as in the previous season but managed some creditable wins and maintained their league positions.

After an excellent steak dinner courtesy of Dave Wills, club president Andy Ewen presented awards to the worthy winners: First XV: top try scorer, Tom McGrattan; coaches’ award, Charlie White; most improved player, Kieran Lee; players’ player award, Karl Pearce; first

XV performance of the season, the 18 players in the squad v Launceston at home; player of the year, Rhys Palmer; best man on tour, Brandon Horn; The Corner supporters’ award, Richie Friend.

Second XV: most improved player, Ollie King; captain’s award, Rob Fishleigh; player of the year, George Courtier; players’ player Paddy Moyse; the Ewen Family award for the best new player from last year’s Colts, Joe Mawle.

Colts XV: players’ player award, Kieran Coyle; most improved player, Dan Turney; coaches’ award, Ebby Valance; Colts player of the year, Jack Ogborne.

The Clubman of the Year Cup for the best contribution to the life of the club went to Barrie Pillivant for his work with the Colts. The BJ Barkwell award for the best contribution to the club went to Ross Campbell for his work on the pitches projects.

Last seasons’ coach, Martin Harrison-Browne has left the club despite taking it to fifth place in the league. His performances for the team on the field will be missed. The new season will see the return of Gareth Evans who coached the players for the previous three years and saw the first XV achieve promotion to South West one two years ago. Gareth will be head coach and will bring with him prop Bob Dugard from Barnstaple as forwards coach and Bevan Armitage to coach the backs. This should prove a formidable and effective coaching team.

So, now the club gets ready to do it all again. The players will be training from July onwards and the new season starts in September when Okehampton will hope to be playing on the improved front pitch but watch out for pre-season games to be played in August. The stand is currently undergoing renovation and that should be ready for a grand opening to the new season.