Last Friday, Mid Argyll RFC brought their season to a close with their much-anticipated club awards ceremony, writes Lee Buckley.
The awards were held in Ardrishaig hall which was a fantastic setting for the event.
Twenty-two awards were up for grabs between the men and women’s senior teams, plus a few surprises were instore for the attendees.
The night kicked off with a few forfeits for players misdemeanours throughout the season before the awards got under way.
The first award of the night went to Ben Rusden for being the worst dressed player in the team. An award agreed on by the entire 1st XV squad. This was quickly followed by awards to recognise the injuries sustained by Murray MacDonald and Matt Peden while putting their bodies on the line for the team.
Top Try Scorer went to Dan Broderick for a very impressive 10 tries in his best ever total for a season.
Top Points scorer went to Murray MacDonald with an amazing 53 points in just seven games.
Try of the season went to Dougie Ritchie for an amazing finish against Hyndland in March.
Then the club took the opportunity to recognise the achievements of previous players - the “Auld Boars” - when Dougie Philand, Fraser MacCorquodale, Alan MacArthur, John McCarten, James Scott, Jim Hill and Ali Peterson were given caps to represent the number of matches they have played for the club over the years.
Next up were the Ladies’ team awards. Though the team has only recently started playing games, the potential in this squad is remarkable, with recent 7s & 10s competition finishes of runners up and winners. Confidence is high as they look to compete in next seasons aspiring league set up.
Tackle of the season went to Grace Drummond for the powerful display she had in the ladies’ very first game.
Try of the season went to Emma Lowe, breaking a tackle in her own half then sprinting the rest of the pitch to touch down against Strathendrick.
Most improved player went to Diane Smith who has developed into a great player and a fantastic team member.
Players’ player of the year went to Kirsty Gibson for her all-round play and fierce competitiveness.
Player of the year went to Megan McClymont. Megan had never played rugby before this season but came along to give it a go, after just having a baby and has turned into a really good player with massive potential. Ladies Coach, Drew Buckley, was delighted to present this award to Megan.
Next came a special award for Club Captain Stu Charnock for his interesting contribution during the club’s away game in Moffat in December. All players and coaches agreed he thoroughly deserved this accolade.
Club Hero award went to Robbie MacTavish. Robbie started the season as a spectator, also helping to set the pitch up for home games. He finished the season playing his first game, with a fine performance in the win against Lanark.
Club Legend award went to Fraser MacCorquodale for his contribution this year in getting the club up and running, and for ensuring the pitch was in top condition all season.
Coach of the Year went to Simone Charnock. The P6/7 team have gone from strength to strength this year, and in her first year as a coach, Simone has led the way.
Club Contribution award went to Drew Buckley for driving the club’s women and girls’ teams. Without Drew the Ladies team would never have happened and she has been the driving force in making this such a successful season for our U14, U16, U18 and senior Ladies players.
Most improved player went to Liam Long. Liam’s journey this season from where he started to where he is has been incredible. One of the smallest players on the pitch, he is definitely one of the biggest hitters.
Young Player of the Year went to Murray MacDonald for an amazing first senior season. Everyone is looking forward to watching his progression.
Players’ Player of the Year went to Euan “Pete” MacArthur. Euan has been in great form this season and its fantastic to see his teammates recognise his immense contributions.
Senior Men’s Player of the Year went to Gordon McLean. Gordon has been at almost every game of the season and consistently plays at a very high level. His contribution to the team over the season has been immeasurable and he thoroughly deserves to be our Fyne Ales Player of the Season.
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