Paul has embodied the Friars spirit this season and his enthusiasm to still play the game at the age of 61 has been infectious. Fitter than most of his team mates, despite the vast majority being 20 years his junior, he has been an almost ever present and a key player as the side re-established itself this season.

He scored the opening try of the game at Bishop Auckland on that memorable afternoon back in April and was ready to go again 6 days later as the Friars kicked off Presidents Day weekend against Mowden Park.

Hartlepool A Top Try Scorer

Stephen Cole

Choo-Choo! How often have we heard that from the sideline this season as the Coley Express bulldozed its way downfield? Despite healthy competition from his closest rival for the award, Alex Sharp, 12 tries in 19 appearances saw the 33 year old back rower claim the accolade.

Hartlepool A Man of Steel

Antony Lawrence

A mainstay of the side this season with the most appearances and a total points tally of 178. Antony has made the number 10 shirt his own and has been as reliable as ever from the tee.

He has kept his nerve on multiple occasions to keep the Maroons in games or seal the win. No more so than at Seaham in the CANDY Cup semi final where he saw his touchline conversion sail through the posts in the final minute of the game to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Hartlepool A Players' Player of the Year

Stephen Cole

Cole picked up his second award of the night after his teammates voted him their Players' Player of the Year. A result that not only reflected his try scoring exploits but also their appreciation of the hard yards and go forward ball that he gives the side week in week out.

Ladies Team Spirit Award

Deborah Armstrong

Deb had never picked up a rugby ball before last April and she has made great strides as a player over the last year. That is in no small part down to her commitment and dedication to the team.

She has been integral to the teams journey throughout that time and embodies the spirit and core values of the game.

Ladies Most Improved Player

Sally Hart

Another member of the core group that kickstarted it all last year. Despite having never played before Sally arrived with an abundance of energy and enthusiasm to learn.

That attitude has led to her improving significantly as a player throughout that time and it is pleasing to see her now passing on the knowledge that she has gained on to the next generation of players in our U14 Girls team.

Ladies Players' Player of the Year

Lisa Newton

Lisa joined us with no previous rugby experience but plenty of raw talent and has developed into an uncompromising presence in the back row.

Somewhat of a silent assassin she lets her tackling and ball carrying do the talking but never fails to give anything other than 100% for her side.

A player that you certainly want alongside you rather than against you and that view is clearly shared by her team mates.

1st XV Breakthrough Player of the Year

Kieran Watson

At a time when props are hard to come by Kieran has been a real find this season and has seized his opportunity. He has made 24 first team appearances, with only Adam Williamson playing more, and has been involved in pretty much every match day squad.

His development as a player has been there for everyone to see as the season has gone on but he still has the potential to get even better.

1st XV Top Try Scorer

Adam Ainley

The evergreen fly half has rolled back the years this season to score 14 tries in 23 appearances and come out on top in a hotly contested race for this award.

After 11 years with the club he is set to depart this Summer but he leaves on a high having helped us to promotion for a second time. He has been integral to everything that we have achieved over the last decade and everybody at the club wishes him only the very best for his future endeavours.

Young Player of the Year

Harry Mayes

Mayes joined the club from West Hartlepool back in September and the 20 year old hasn't looked back. He has impressed with not only his performances on the field but also his energy and enthusiasm for the game.

He crossed the whitewash on 10 occasions and has demonstrated his flexibility when called upon, lining up at wing, centre and fly half at various points throughout the course of the campaign.

1st XV Players' Player of the Year

Tazz Pelser

It is no exaggeration to say that the scrum half has been one of the main catalysts and orchestrators behind our promotion campaign. That is reflected in his fellow players pretty unanimous selection of him as their Player of the Year.

Scoring 13 tries in 20 appearances and only tasting defeat twice when he has played highlights his importance to the team.

Keith Hind Club Person Award

Andy Wray

Leader, coach, manager, counsellor, motivator, psychologist, occasional hanger of doors - the list is as long as his daily calls list.

Andy has not only led the 1st XV to promotion for a second time this season but also coaches the next generation of players in his Under 13 side too.

He does it not for reward or recognition, but simply out of the pride that he has for representing and serving our club.

Andy is totally committed to both sets of players that he coaches and that is reciprocated.

He bleeds Old Boys, embodies the spirit of our club and is certainly deserving of this award in Keith’s name.