Lincoln Rugby Club held their annual end of season awards up at the Lindum on Friday April 25, with a total of eight awards going out to various different players.
Despite it being only his first season of rugby, Jay Barratt impressed everyone with his determination and effort, and just how quickly he picked up the sport. Barratt was rewarded for his efforts with the fourth team player of the year award. The 3rd XV player of the year award went to a man who turns out for Mark Prescott's side week in week out - Col Stanley.
The 2nd XV had a successful season finishing in fourth place in the Pennant League, and one player who remained almost ever present for the side throughout was their player of the year James Johnson.
Lincoln’s 1st XV will have a new skipper next season with Adam Whitwell stepping down this year.Although it is still to be officially confirmed at the AGM in July, the captain looks set to be Jim Calveley with Dan Reeds as his vice.Jim ‘David Gower’ Calveley ended the season in style by picking up the first team player of the year award.
In addition to the main awards, there were various other categories not to be forgotten.
Full Back Jake Williams has played in almost every match for the 1st XV this season, putting in some great performances and nobody will forget his two hard hits on Matt Meanwell in Clarkie’s testimonial match.Williams was one of many colts to break into the first team this season, and was also named the club’s young player of the year. After starting the season with the seconds, Meany soon broke into the first team as a winger.But he came into his own in the second half of the season after moving into the centres, and finished as top try scorer with 10.Meany was acknowledged for his great season with the most improved player of the year award.Another trophy that goes out each year is the Thrush award, which this year went to someone everybody at the club knows – ‘Big’ Graham Nicholson.
Finally, the Clubman of the Year award has to go to somebody who works tirelessly off the pitch to help the club strive forward.There are several people who the club couldn’t live without, and this year the award went to Lee Hancock.
