One young man received The Player of the Year and Player’s Player trophies. That was Dane Mathew. His coach said, Dane demonstrated ‘massive leadership potential and gave every match and every practice and the other players his full commitment and energy.’
Rugby Club awards and special All Black guest
The Club Chairman, Wayne Smith and Club Captain, Mike Skeen hosted the evening with awards being largely presented by the teams’ coaches, Warren George (Donk) and Bruce Troughear (Trough) of the B’s and senior Coaches, Cody Muir and Bo Hamilton of the A’s.
One very special guest, who also happens to be a local Mercury Bay resident, was previous All Black, Aaron Smith. Aaron led some training sessions this season in the absence of one of the coaches. This has been a real boost for the Club especially the young rugby players. As well as a love for rugby, the dedication of the coaches and the administration team is the reason the players feel they belong to something very significant. A common message was that the year had been tough but yet recognising that the B’s team was very young and still small (build of the young players) and that the amount of talent in them was outstanding and promising. Everything will improve with more time. The Club Patron, Mike English (Blink), spoke of this when he presented Cody Muir with the Patron’s Cup. Cody Muir received outstanding commendations for his service to many aspects of the Club’s life.
It was evident that a large team of volunteers using their own resources and skills make the Rugby Club work so well. At the close of the awards time, Wayne Smith gave notice of the big Thames Valley game coming to Lyon Park Saturday, 5 October, 2024.
Leadership and coaching team – Wayne Smith, Tim Bryson, Aaron Smith, Cody Muir, Dane Mathew, Beau Hamilton and Mike Skeen, Mike English (Blink); Aaron Smith, previous All Black, presents Dane Matthews, Player of the Year and Player’s Player; Club patron presents the Patron’s Cup to Cody Muir – the best club spirit – the soul of the Rugby Club.
