ANOTHER successful season has been celebrated by Douglas Rugby Club with their annual dinner at the Palace Hotel.  The night included a prize presentation by a number of key supporters and sponsors of the club, including sponsors of the first team, Skanco Business Systems Ltd.

David Butterworth, managing director of Skanco, presented Will Latta with the award for Top Try Scorer of the season.  He said, “I’d like to congratulate the team for their continuing success in the South Lancashire/Cheshire League. As a company we invest heavily in supporting local sport and evenings like this reinforce the positive impact that has on the community.”

Other awards presented on the evening included:- Player of the Year: Carl Markl-Fearns; 2nd XV Player of the Year: Liam King; Clubman of the Year: Gareth Hoosen-Owen; Golden Ball: Niall Killey; Top Points Scorer: Tom Chamberlain; Most Improved Player: Callum Carine.

The evening was compered by Manx Radio’s John Moss and featured a variety of speakers and entertainment.  Club president Gareth Hoosen-Owen highlighted the club’s successes and paid tribute to the unsung yet hardworking committee members who keep it running, singling out Peter Horsthuis for particular praise. 

The club was also addressed by supporter Geoff Corkish MHK, whose entertaining talk was well received.  A comedy sketch was also performed by the 1980’s front row combination of Tim Manning, Neil McGregor and Keith Pote.

Club official Tony Wilson-Spratt said afterwards, “It was a really enjoyable evening and a great way to say thank you to all of the players and supporters who have made this another memorable season.

“I’d like to thank all of the individuals and companies who contributed to the night and the club as a whole, particularly first team sponsors Skanco.”