SENIOR sides within Northwich Rugby Club came together for their end-of-season awards event.
A selection of players were rewarded for their personal achievements, while a number of special recognition awards were also presented.
Player award winners:
First team: Players’ player of the season, Curtis Finnigan; coaches’ player of the season Zac Richardson; most improved player of the season Toby Moss
Second team: Players’ player, Oliver Kenny; coaches’ player, Harry Owens; most improved, Ed Nelson
Third team: Players’ player, Andy Lawler; coaches’ player, Pete Gibbon; most improved, Nigel Goulding
Walking rugby team: Players’ player, Rob Foreman; coaches’ player, Mike Naylor; most improved, Jo Adderley
Special recognition award recipients:
Jon Finch Memorial Award: Harry Bennett. After making his first XV debut at Bowdon in October, Harry continued his progression securing a first-team position for the rest of the season. The award is presented annually in honour of Jon Finch, who was an up-and-coming young Northwich player whose career was tragically cut short following a road accident
Outstanding Contribution Award: Chris Blower. For his commitment to developing junior players and his support and organisation of senior rugby
Well-being Champion of the Year: Rob Garner. Recognition of his mental health advocacy.
Dedicated Clubman Award: Mark Thompson. Due to the longevity of his playing career and the fact that he is still playing.
Dedicated Clubman Award: Andy Lawler. Initially awarded third-team most improved player in 2017 after having played this level throughout his career. Not all players strive for first-team recognition but all are valued members of the club.
Clubman of the Year: Matt Purbrick. Purb’s playing career ended in 2024 through a long-standing chronic knee injury. During this season he refurbished the changing rooms at his cost.
He lays out kit before a game, provides health drinks, generates a pre-match atmosphere. He is always at training and player development sessions. He motivates the players, takes some of the training and produces training programmes.
