On behalf of the board and members of Carlisle Rugby Club, may I say what a privilege it was to be present at the Carlisle Sports Award dinner on Saturday 25 October. Given that rugby has never been nominated for any category within Carlisle Sports Award since its inception; to receive two sporting accolades in a year is truly phenomenal, and one which every member of the successful teams should be extremely proud of.

Carlisle Under 15’s 2013/14 season, won the Junior Team of the Year, awarded for their tremendous record of playing all season unbeaten, developing players to such high standards that enabled representation at Cumbria County Level, North District Level and a place with Newcastle Falcons Academy. Captain Mike Newstead accepted the award on behalf of the team, who were represented by Josh Watson, Jake Evans, John Short, Toby Huggon, and Cameron Steele,

The players represented the club in impeccable style and were a true reflection of what rugby is all about; teamwork and camaraderie, making those family members present very proud of their achievement as a team and as individuals.

The second award of the evening to go to Carlisle RFC, was for the Senior Team of the Year, awarded for their successful season as a team, culminating in reaching the semi-final stage of the National Colts Cup. This was presented to Henry Wainwright, Captain of the Colts for 2013/14 season, accompanied by Tom Fuller, Lewis Fuller, and Jason Israel.

All the players proudly received the awards, reflecting on the time, effort and dedication that goes into creating teams that work and play well together.

Recognition must also be paid to the men behind the scenes who make all this possible, in the case of the Junior Team, Ben Blain and Matt Pagan who work tirelessly at weekly training and at weekend fixtures ensuring that the players receive high quality coaching and mentoring.

Likewise with the Colts, recognition must go to David Stout and Mel Cooper, who again give freely of their time every week to ensure that player development continues with Carlisle’s home grown players. The work entails working with players individually and as a team to enable each one goes through the transition phase from youth rugby to rugby played at Colts level, with the ultimate goal being to play senior rugby, both physically and mentally at the end of their two years in Colts. This has been ably demonstrated by the fact that the Colts receiving the award, now play for Carlisle First XV.

The results demonstrated by the teams are testament to the respect the players have for their coaches

Several members from sports represented at the awards evening passed on their congratulations for our outstanding success and wished us well in the future. They commented that it was good to have rugby recognised as proof that balls can be oval and not round!!!

Congratulations to you all on achieving this tremendous record, and for placing Carlisle Rugby Club firmly on the sporting map within Cumbria.