The Wests Warriors rounded out a stellar season with a glittering awards night at The KIA Oval in London’s south. The venue turned from its usual cream and white of the cricket season and adorned itself in the green and black of the Warriors for the evening. Likewise, the playing group and staff turned from their usual attire of sweat stained football gear to make sure they looked the part, only to be surpassed by the Wives And Girlfriends who reminded us we are all playing for second place when it comes to the fashion stakes.

Special mention must go to Jamie Diggle for sporting one of the most outrageous mustaches in recent memory.

Surrounded by the history of the Oval and it’s sporting legends, Wests laid out their own impressive sporting achievements as well as a table full of awards that had everyone trying to predict just who would take home the accolades?

The main event was hosted by the Warriors’ own Tommy Lloyd and Barry Dawson Williams. Everyone witnessed the birth of the next great comedy duo as the pair guided us through everything from the basics of using cutlery to the major announcements of the night; the winners!

The night’s festivities were punctuated with highlights from the major victories of the year, the London Premiership, the Harry Jepson Cup and the Budapest Tournament of Capitals. It was a chance to relive the high-quality football played by the team through the whole season as well as some of the off-field hijinks (of which there have been plenty.)

The main award for the evening, the Player’s Player was taken home by our fullback, Jarred Bassett, who also claimed Best Back of the Year. The Coaches’ MVP went to work horse hooker, Jesse Walker. All the nominees and winners of awards should be proud that they stood out in a team brimming with talent, skill and dedication.

Kiwis in London sponsor, Clint Heine and Player's Player Jarred Bassett

Coach, Kim Parkinson and MVP Jesse Walker

Full list of winners:

Player’s Player: Jarred Bassett
Coaches’ MVP: Jesse Walker
Clubman: Brendan Smith
Forward of the Year: Dario Esposito
Back of the Year: Jarred Bassett
Utility Player of the Year: Vallance Katipa
Most Improved: Max Walker
Top Try Scorer: David Dyer
Defensive Player of the Year: Seb Taylor
Hit of the Year: Travis Robertson
Quaddie Award (Minor Premiership, Premiership, Harry Jepson & Budapest Trophies): David Dyer, Seb Taylor, Glen Brummit, Jason Kershaw & Vallance Katipa.

After the official proceedings had taken place the party kicked on with West London & New Zealand music icon Jayson Norris ensuring there would be no slowing down for the night, except for an obligatory mannequin challenge.

The 2016 season was an unprecedented success on the field and the awards night was a fitting tribute to the hard work of the entire organization. Without the efforts of the players, the staff and the extremely generous contributions of our sponsors the night would simply not have occurred. The Wests Warriors would like to thank the night’s sponsors:

The Chatsworth Bar, Kiwis In London, Stoke Travel, Baldwin Electrical, Alter Agency & Tumeke Sports

The Warriors now look ahead to the 2017 season which begins with the Challenge Cup in January. The first match we have scheduled is a friendly fixture against Shaw Cross Sharks in Dewsbury on Jan 14th. The Challenge Cup draw will be completed in December with our first match to take place the last weekend of January.

The Warriors thank everyone for season 2016 and will be working hard on and off the field to ensure that 2017 maintains our standards and strives to reach new heights.