AFTER a year of celebrations, Camelford RFC completed their tenth anniversary season with their annual awards dinner on Friday, May 17, writes club president, Nic Osborne.

Players and supporters gathered at Bowood Hotel for an evening of speeches and general revelry along with the presentation of our annual awards. This is always the highlight of the season as it gives all involved with the opportunity to reflect on what we have achieved each year. With ten years gone, this particular event had a touch more poignancy as we realise that we have built a sustainable, traditional and friendly club for the rugby lovers in our community.

Once again, club treasurer Keith Lovegrove, organised the evening and did an excellent job of getting a large number together for this memorable evening. Following the fine fayre served for dinner, as well as just a few drinks, the important awards presentation began with an opening address from club chairman Ian Elford.

Essentially, he thanked all of the members for their efforts in keeping the club afloat and the sacrifices we have all made during the decade of development. He was able to reflect on everything we have achieved and reminded us all that there is much work to be done as we build our future. His excellent speech was a surprise to all as it was succinct and short! (The sweepstake on the length of his speech was won by Mike Jenkins).

A real testament to the friendly nature of our club is that we have been building a fanbase amongst the wives and girlfriends (WAGS) of the players, many of whom now actively support the club and seem to enjoy themselves. To honour this, we have instigated a new award to celebrate the support of this addition to our ever-growing club. There were a number of possible winners, but the recipient has been ever present supporting her man Dan Stuckey. The inaugural “Queen of CRFC” award was presented to Holly Elliot by the club president, Nic Osborne.

Next up was the celebration of the players and servant of our club with the following awards presented:

Most Improved Player — Dave Evans; Coaches Player — Dan Stuckey; Cultural Attaché (for being of sound mind and sartorial elegance) — Michael Burton; Young Player — Ryan Welch; New Player — Ian Boundy; Drop of the Year (For the most outrageous handling error) — Lee Grimes; Players’ Player — Dan Yeatman; Rocky Award (Given to the player who, out of character, defence or annoyance lost their cool on the pitch) — Lee Grimes; Presidents Cup — Martyn Baker; Top Try and Points Scorer — Dan Yeatman; Captain’s Award — Dan Stuckey; 50 Caps — Dan Yeatman and Ian Burnard; 100 caps — Mike Willshire

Following the presentations, it was time to look to the future as we move to a more permanent home in the new season, a field which is only two away from the current one and adjacent to Camelford Football Club.

It is hoped that we may be able to build a relationship with the football club which will ultimately be beneficial to both of us. With a new six-year rolling lease we are hopeful that we may be able to attract more support from our local and national governing body as we build on the well-established foundation created over our first ten years.

We enter the 2019/20 season with a fantastic spirit and desire, a new pitch and a new coach — Mike Jenkins. We are still looking for players and officials and the club AGM on June 10 will be very important as we are looking to replace a number of our current committee. A lot of work is needed during our close season to prepare our new pitch, but this really does give us the chance to develop a permanent home in our town.

The night concluded with a disco and a few more drinks as the players enjoyed their celebration of the season gone.

Anyone who wants to get involved in any way please contact Nic Osborne via our Facebook page which can be found by searching ‘Camelford RFC’.

We are always in need of players with any experience, but also need some more administrators or volunteers. We are a great local club who have real ambition and believe strongly in the traditions of our great game. We have a lot of fun and endeavour to play the best rugby we can.