Winscombe Rugby Club celebrated their 50th year by winning their first silverware.

THE finale to Winscombe Rugby Club’s 50th season was their annual dinner with guest speaker Steve Fenwick, who won 30 caps for Wales between 1975 and 1981.

The event was a joyous affair on the back of the 1st XV winning 10 out of their final 11 games, including winning their first silverware, the Bristol Combination Bowl, by beating Gordano 41-14 in the final game of the season.

Prop Simon Thompson scored the try of the season in this match after breaking away from a line-out inside his own half to crash through anyone who stood in his way.

This was acknowledged at the dinner with the award of a new trophy presented by the club’s exclusive band of stalwart supporters, known as the Old Farts, who were acknowledged in turn with the Harvest Home Cup for making their own special contribution to the club.

Matt Hoy-Green, who scored the winning try to bring home the Combination Bowl, was chosen as 2nd XV Player of the Year, a year after being the most improved player, while Greg Brown became the Young Player of the Year.

Outgoing chairman, Geoff George, presented a new award for the Players’ Player of the year and this went to Aaron Ford, making it three in a row after being young player and player of the year, just about pipping father, Eric, who was twice player of the year in the early 80s.

Tom Nock, another product of Sidcot School to join the club, was the colt of the year having demonstrated his versatility by playing in all positions in the back division. With a tally of 23, George House, for the second time, picked up the award for scoring the most tries. The Stan Willett Memorial Cup for Endeavour went to Ryan Robinson, playing in his 23rd consecutive season (he won this award 21 years ago) and reaching 225 caps.

In his first season as coach, Mike d’Arcy did much to turn around the fortunes of the first team and was duly presented with a tankard for his efforts. The Most Improved Player was awarded to the whole 1st XV squad.

Five years after being the most improved player, 10 years after captaining the Colts and in his third and final year as 1st XV captain, the Player of the Year was Owen Howell, who many years ago was in one of the first Under-6 teams at the club, coached by Mark Watson. His father became Clubman of the Year, having previously done so in the 25th season.

Finally, Ted Sands who works tirelessly as fixture secretary picked up the President’s Shield for the second time of asking. Thanks to all involved in organising the Dinner and to John behind the bar for having to put up with a few hardy souls into the early hours.