Despite having a cup match and a league game outstanding in the clubs fixture list, Newton Aycliffe Rugby Club held their 55th annual awards dinner at Redworth Hall

Last Saturday evening. Following a great season where the squad has enjoyed a 76% win ratio in the league. Unfortunately it was tight between the top 3 and Aycliffe finished 3rd overall. Credit was given throughout the proceedings to the new coaching trio, head coach Pete Ryans and forwards coach Steve Turnbull, who were admirably assisted by fitness coach and physio Geoff Hymas. All of which put the lads through their paces from pre- season to date. Their efforts were rewarded by a high league position and a place in the Durham County Plate final against Washington which took place on Wednesday evening 16th April at Houghton Le Spring. Result to follow.

The proceedings were kicked off by old boy and huge fan of the club, Mr Peter Maddison, who performed an open mike comic stand up routine for the first time ever that was received well by the big audience who were in fits of laughter.

The awards were presented by club President Rod Shepherd and club chairman Bryan Parsonage.

The President’s award went to club stalwart Bob Malvern for his long term commitment and hard work behind the scenes.

The chairman’s award went to old boy Steve Turnbull who returned to the club to offer his services as forwards coach and helped make a massive difference to the squad’s performances throughout the season.

Most improved player award went to second row forward Ashley Elliott who has maintained a high standard of training and playing commitment all season.

The new Coaches award went to back row player Drew Gibson, again for showing a brilliant attitude to training encouraging others and playing a good standard of rugby to enhance the squads performance.

Finally the most prestigious award of the evening as voted by the player’s themselves went to back row player Andrew Littlefair (pictured). Andrew has played his first full senior season for Aycliffe since signing from Mowden Park. He has had an outstanding season for the squad and his encouraging runs with the ball in hand has certainly boosted the packs performance all season.

Well done to all the award winners, well done to the squad for fantastic season. The target next season is to win the league.

The evening was rounded off by excellent entertainment from the 5 piece band Another Crisis.

The club wish to thank this seasons sponsor’s , Hayward Home Appliance Services trading as Serviceforce, Boola Clothing Aycliffe, Honest Johns Aycliffe Community Kitty and the Mortgage Advice Centre.

Stuart McLean