An outdoor set up (socially distanced) and outside bar, DJ chairman Mark Armstrong on the MIC with Head Coach Peter Evans providing the entertainment created a very memorable evening.

A special thank you needs to go to Sue Potts, Jane Mallam and Jenn on the bar. The food was great and the service impeccable.

Onto the really important part of the evening, The Winners!

We had a first: The HIPPOS player of the season – Former first team skipper Jonny Durnion was the winner. A talisman, a leader and true warrior which saw the HIPPOS reach the first Vets County Cup final, albeit it wasn’t able to played.

3TM:
Bill Woodhouse Award: Ben Elgie, a true Billingham man. Been through the age groups, played county and had a bright future. A few niggling injuries, a set backs saw Ben don the 3TM shirt in recent times. A mainstay in the team, positional changes and his adaptability saw Ben awarded the Bill Woodhouse award.

Coaches Player of the Year: A returning Oscar Ready picked up this award. Great to see such a talent back in green and white. Oscar some time out before being persuaded to return to the field. His performances won plaudits amongst his peers. Barn storming runs and tough defender sees Oscar pick up the coaches player of the year.

Players Player of the Year: Nic Winstanley: Nic has the potential to play higher but due to work commitments his time at home is limited. To have someone of Nics talent is great. His sniping ways saw him score 19 tries in total becoming the clubs ‘top try scorer’ and was also awarded das boot for his efforts.

Lions

Most Improved: Ben Hamlett: Unfortunately work commitments have restricted his training time but Ben has worked tirelessly last season and the Lions reaped the rewards of his improvement. His fitness, his ball carrying, his defence all improved adding to what is an ever improving Lions squad.

Coaches Player of the Year: Dan Westall and Jobe Roxby. Dann Westall who has experience in the first team continues to share his experiences through his performance. A battling front rower who is also capable of playing in the back row saw Dann shine in the forward pack for doing the ‘unseen’ work, the jobs many don’t like doing. Players like Dann are like gold dust and deserves such an accolade.
Jobe Roxby: His first season in the green and white. Jobe has made a big impression already at the club. His self confidence is clearly evident and has the ability to match which saw him don the first XV jersey on a number of occasions. His ability to kick goals and assist others has been noticeable all season with the Lions which has seen him win the coaches player of the year alongside Dann

Players Player of the Year: a noticeable resemblance to his dad Mick, Josh Wilson has been a standout player not only In the Lions but the whole club. Travelling home each weekend shows his commitment to the club. However his tough no nonsense playing style is something to watch in awe of. Josh’s impressive performances led to a number call ups to the first XV where he once again showed his capability of playing at a higher level. Hearing he has handed his notice into the Navy is welcome news on a selfish note. Deserving players player of the year, Josh Wilson.

1st XV

Most improved: Joe Ross. It was quite evident that Joe has talent. A versatile player with a step to die for. It wasn’t all easy for Joe. Dropped to the Lions following the first game with some ‘work ons’ Joe bounced back immediately and has held his own in the first team squad. We sometimes forget he is just 19! Joe is looking sharp already in training and his future is bright.

Coaches Player of the Year: The uncoachable, the tyrant, the Joe Marler of the squad; Nathan Myers. Nathan is and can be unplayable as seen against the likes of Harrogate and Macclesfield. He is dominant in the tackle area and is an all round nuisance to the opposition which saw him named in the North Premier Team of the Season. Deserved recognition for a fantastic season.

Players player of the Year: Luke Wilson. Stand out performer and consistent all year. Finished as the club top try scorer but it has also seen him mature as a leader. His performances were exemplary, some of the best we have seen Luke play. A gifted baller, he has tore defences to pieces with eye for gap and his powerful running. Recognised by his peers for his performances is and must be a great feeling. Another that SHOULD have been named in the North Premier however it is what it is. Billingham first XV player of the year Luke Wilson.

Last by no means least… some say the most important award….TOP LASHER! Are we different to another club because we like to socialise…No..rugby clubs do it however Billinghams attitude to inclusivity is second to none. Whether you play for the HIPPOS, 3TM, Lions or firsts….noone is bigger than the club. The social scene is important… everyone is and can be part of this.

A newcomer last season Kieran Clark bought into the values of the club straight away. His impressive chopping of a pint caught the eye. His way of getting others involved was great… there were others who were in close running including the likes of Conner Foley and Sam Wilson however it is Kieran that bags the title following in the footsteps of Kirby and Fez…… worthy winner!

Pictures of the winners to follow shortly

Again thank you to all involved. Great evening, great people, even better CLUB

#OSIOS