And the winners are....

By Bobby Bridge

MARK Wickett won the coveted Manor Park Player of the Year trophy for his ever-present efforts in the 2016/17 campaign.

The versatile forward played in 100 per cent of Park’s 22 Midlands 3 West South at second row and across the back row and was deservedly presented his award by head coach Kevin Venus.

Having picked up a share of Newcomer of the Year in 2015/16 with Jordan Rice, Will Woodward took home silverware for a second successive dinner dance as the scrum-half won the First XV Players’ Player of the Year prize for 2016/17.

The evening kicked off with Ellis discussing the JS7 project and introducing Emily, the mother of Jamie's child, who gave an incredible speech that left barely a dry eye in the house.

The Most Improved Player had some contenders, but there was one stand out candidate.

Chris Morewood, having only returned to rugby in February 2016 since last playing at school, he made his first team debut as a substitute in the Warwickshire Vase semi-final win over Coventry Welsh last season. In 2016/17, the fly-half/full-back has enjoyed a remarkable campaign in the first team.

With key backs from the promotion winning season out such as Cameron Forryan and Joe Graham, Morewood has regularly performed at full-back and was the first team’s top scorer with 110 points, coming from three tries, 28 conversions and 13 penalties.

In the reckoning for the Most Improved award was Craig Morris, but he wasn’t to leave empty handed. Having only started playing rugby this season, the second row progressed with the second team went on to make eight first team appearances and ended the campaign in fantastic form. His achievements were recognised with the Best Newcomer award.

Park’s second team enjoyed a fantastic campaign, finishing second to eventual winners Burbage, who managed to squeeze in one final game towards the end of the season to deny Manor the title.

However, Podge Everard’s seconds did end the season with some silverware, defeating Bedworth in the final of the Warwickshire Three League Cup last Sunday.

Adam Bennett top scored with 15 tries from as many games and also kicked 16 conversions for a points haul of 107. He also made three appearances for the first team, scoring two more tries.

In a hotly contest Second XV Players’ Player of the Year vote, Bennett came out on top to take the award.

Captain Everard awarded his Second XV Player of the Year trophy to Bobby Bridge. Having returned to rugby towards the back end of the 2015/16 season, Bobby started the season in the third team, became a regular in the seconds and took on the on-field captaincy following Everard’s injury in November. He ended the season in the first team, making two appearances against Old Coventrians and Old Leamingtonians.

That name Everard would dominate the next two awards.

James, better known as ‘Podge’, spent much of the 2016/17 campaign on the sidelines but it was his tireless work in ensuring the second team fulfilled its games that saw him win the Clubman of the Year award. Despite more than 50 players being used by the first team across the season, and the tragedy of losing Jamie Styles in February, he managed to steer the twos to a memorable campaign.

Every match Park fulfilled in Warwickshire League Three (not including walk overs) was on a weekend the first team were playing a competitive game. League winners Burbage can only boast this on three occasions.

Many other names were thrown up for the clubman of the year, especially first team captain Chris Goode who, like Podge, has endured a challenging season of ensuring squads are filled and games fulfilled. He was also joint top-scorer with ten tries from 21 league games.

John Jenkins presented his President’s Award to Paul Everard. Paul joined the club as team manager last summer and has been a regular on the sidelines, assisting with matchday duties, selection, statistics and match reports.

The final award of the evening was Most Upstanding Member (POTY). This went to Craig Ison for breaking Shane Duffy’s leg while guesting for Pinley, against Manor Park.

Please be reminded that the Annual General Meeting is on TUESDAY, May 9 at the Pavilion, 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Please come along and help shape the future of the the club

Updated 19:07 - 6 Sep 2019 by Bobby Bridge

Where next?

Five reasons to attend the Annual General Meeting IT’S the club’s Annual General Meeting tonight (Tuesday 7 for 7.15 start at the PAVILION) and here’s five reasons why you should attend.
Cup final win, JS7 update, dinner dance, AGM and footy! CONGRATULATIONS to the second team who wrapped up a fine season with a cup final win!

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