On Friday 20th May the Falmouth Rugby Family came together to celebrate and acknowledge their players for the close of the 2022/23 season. This was an exciting Rugby Award Ceremony involving everyone from the Seniors side of the Club; The Raptors Touch, The Women's Senior and The Men's Teams (The Eagles 1XV and The One & All 2XV).
Billed as "Club Night" the celebration kicked off at 6pm with a Free Hog roast and vegatarian buffet, alongside the Players Awards where both individual and collective success was recognised in the friendly-fun informal setting of the Falmouth Rugby Clubhouse, with members, friends and family of all players warmly welcomed.
"This event provided a great opportunity to engage with all our teams, and to verbally thank our community of Rugby Volunteers and Coaches who keep the playing side of Rugby moving forward." - John Bullock Chairman.
The sound of cheer filled the Clubhouse when The One & All 2XV were acknowledged for winning their Cornwall Merit 4 League and making it to the semi-finals of the Cornwall RFU Duchy Cup. While the Eagles acknowledged what was a tricky campaign in the Tribute Counties 1 league having lost key players and coaching staff in the early part of the season to fight on and narrowly escape relagation due to a league restructure. The Club however remains upbeat on their recent string of Wins under coaches Darren Becconsall and Tom Spiller to end on a high. Having reached the semi-finals of the national Papa Johns Community Cup only misisng out on the Final by a mere point away to Crowbrough who went onto win the competition. Both the Women's Team and The Raptors Touch continue to grow and go from strength to strength with summer training continuing at the Rec on Mondays from 7pm for the mixed Touch Team, and bi-weekly on a Thursday from 7pm for the Women's Team. New members of all abilities welcome.
A special mention was given to Lydia Hawkins who represents the Cornwall Senior Women as Falmouth's first women's county player, while Chris (Sandy) Sanders was recognised for long service on his timely retirement from playing. "Some say his shorts have played longer" - Paul Radmore President who was incharge of presenting the awards to the players.
Having their names engraved on awards and printed on certificates in the Clubs 150th milestone season, is some honour, and to be recognised by your piers in front of your team mates, friends, and rugby family is second to none. We play for each other here, so these moments of reflection are special" - Tom Spiller Director of Rugby.
Recipient of The 2022/23 Awards:
- Claudia Keyworth (Raptors Touch Most Improved)
- Richard Tyler (Raptors Touch Most Valuable Player)
- Shanti Duraikan (Raptors Touch Coaches Player of the Year)
- Kirsty Hick (Womens Most Improved)
- Tug Wilson (One & All 2XV Standout Moment)
- Richard Chave (One & All 2XV Most Improved)
- Ned Laity (One & All 2XV Player's Player)
- Sean Pond (One & all 2XV Captain's Players)
- Abi Sanders-Crook (Womens Player's Player)
- Tom Spiller (Club Captains Trophy & Top Try Scorer)
- Rowan Lawrence (Eagles 1XV Player's Player)
- Ben Rosevear (Eagles 1XV Coaches Player)
With an inclusive membership of both men and women players aged 16+, we wanted to create an evening accessible to all our membership where everyone could feel involved in the players awards ceremony in a safe and friendly environment.
For those looking to join the club membership for next season it opens in July, we hope to hold a recruitment event which we hope to announce soon, said Clubs Communications Danny Trick. For more information email us on info@falmouthrugbyclub.co.uk
On Saturday 22nd July Falmouth Rugby Club culminate their 150th celebrations at their Summer Gala Dinner, with a feast in a marquee on the Recreation Ground. They are looking forward to welcoming rugby legend Gareth Chillcott former Lions, England & Bath Hooker as their guest speaker, alongside highlights consiting of a string quartet, while dancing to the sounds of "Gilty Pleasures.
The Final Club Awards of "Club Volunteer of the Year" and "Club Person of the Year" will be presented at the Gala Dinner. Tickets for this have proved very popular with over one-hundred and fifty sold. A limited amount are still available at £75pp to members and £120pp to sponsors. For more information visit: www.falmouthrugbyclub.co.uk/gala-dinner or speak with a memeber of The Clubhouse team.
