This was a successful and enjoyable evening of good food and Celebration.
During the meal the now customary “Fred would like to take wine with...” was joyfully accepted by the gathered players, although at different times both the players and “Old Farts” found some of the tributes hard to understand! (I need to get out more!)
After a congratulatory speech from Chairman Mark Edwards the floor was given to John Kidson who entertained us with his usual supply of ribald jokes which appeared to be enjoyed by all, although I think some of the younger players were struggling with some of the terminology that John used!
Of course there had to be the Customary “Heads and Tails” fundraiser which was duly won by none other than John “Captain Mainwaring” Kidson!
After a brief toilet and replenishment of glasses break the Annual Awards were presented by Mark Edwards, the new Head Coach (standing in for Darren Molloy who was away with the Wasps Old Boys) and Captains.
Mark awarded the Vets Captain which was accepted by Rod Pittam who then awarded the Vets Player of the Year Pete White (who was to appear frequently in various accolades later!)
The Chairman then awarded the 4th Team Captain Gareth Webber (unable to attend) to Pete White who then presented the 4th Team Player of the Year to Lester “Nobby” Clarke who was also unable to attend.
The 3rd Team Captain Rob Jackson received his award from the Chairman and followed by giving the 3rd Team Player of the Year to Keith “Chops” Packham.
The Chairman was next up to award Alex Box as 2nd XV Captain who proceeded to call up Alex Pritchard as 2ndXV Player of the Year.
The New Head Coach Leigh Fitchie (standing in for Head Coach Darren Molloy) then gave a series of Coaches awards for:
Top Points Scorer: Seyhan Fell (presently down under!)
Top Try Scorer: Adam Tolman
Most Promising Player: Liam Regardsoe
Most Improved Player: Ben Stringer
Coaches Award: Tom Carvill
Sportsman of the Year: Alex Box

Martin “Moose” Murray then got in on the act to present:
Young Player of the Year: Tom Carvill
The Supporters POY: Chris Petley
Players POY: Adam Tolman

Mark Edwards then re-appeared to award Moose the 1stXV Captain Award so that Moose could then award the Burlington Balls Trophy to the 1stXV Player of the Year: John Eustace.
Finally The Chairman awarded the Clubman of the Year to Alex Ruddock.

Thereafter the evening became a round of congratulations to all the Award Winners, re-telling of the season’s happenings and of course more drinking of all types of alcoholic beverages. Eventually way after midnight several Taxis were ordered and the Celebrations continued elsewhere.

Sadly Ken Matcham Photographer Supreme was unable to attend, therefore my apologies for the standard of some of these photos! It would have helped if some of the recipients could stand still!!