A NUMBER of highly active and committed volunteers are still cock-a-hoop after being hailed by the Rugby Football League for their sustained contribution to the grassroots game.
Craig Teague of Blackpool Scorpions has been named as the Volunteer of the Year, fending off challenges from Rod McFarlane (Upton), Dean Armstrong (Moorends Marauders), Kelly Colvin (West Craven Warriors), Nicola Smith (Moldgreen) and Maria Wild (Keighley Albion).
The Coach of the Year is Liverpool Lions’ John Moran, ahead of Shaun Lunt (Mirfield) and Matty Danville of Skirlaugh, while Andrew Blythe of Bassetlaw Bulldogs scooped the Junior Coach of the Year accolade. Others in contention were Ackworth Jaguars’ Martyn Dickinson and Lauren Exley (East Leeds).
Meanwhile, Julie Lumb of Shaw Cross Sharks is the Women and Girls Champion, edging Sara McDaid (Dewsbury Moor) and Dean Kenny of Ince Rose Bridge Pantheresses, and the Grounds Persons of the Year prize went jointly to David Newton and David Cross, who both maintain Egremont Rangers’ pitches. Also in the running were Doncaster Toll Bar’s Noel Dean and Stanningley’s John Weston (Stanningley).
The Our League Life Award was collected by Barrow Island Oldies, whose nomination pipped those of Dean Chadwick (Wigan) and Lisa Riches (Sheffield Hawks).
And Helen Hynes of Thatto Heath Crusaders grabbed the Social RL Volunteer of the Year gong, with Jack Stearman (Pocklington Touch) and Kevin Hattersley of Wigan Warriors Foundation also in contention.
Michelle Melling of England PDRL snared the Tackle It Award. Sue Cater of Bradford Bulls Wheelchair) and Mark Ward of Sheffield Eagles LDSL were other worthy contenders.