THE Malvern RFC Junior Rugby Section held it's annual dinner and presentation night at the new clubhouse last Friday with 120 playing members, parents and guests in attendance.

The evening closed a season that was plagued by the worst weather conditions ever and yet on reflection, it was probably the most successful season so far for the MRFC Juniors with only the Under 15s suffering from fixture cancellations.

The main guest of honour was the Malvern RFC club captain, Andy Longley who spoke of how he was impressed with the turnout for the dinner and the commitment of the junior membership, their coaches and managers to achieve their goals.

He reported that the now the senior side of the Malvern club had achieved the league status that they had planned five years ago, the plans that had been laid for the next five years placed greater emphasis on youth and the development of young players into the senior side of the club and beyond. This would not only enable Malvern RFC to maintain their league status as the senior non-professional club in the south-west Midlands, but it would give the town and district a much needed facility for young people to learn and develop the skills needed for the modern game in a safe and well-organised environment using quality facilities and a team of qualified coaches, managers and helpers.

During the evening the gathering enjoyed a superb two-course dinner prepared on the premises by Mrs Lynda Robins, Mrs Marie Clee and Mrs Trish Watkins of the Malvern RFC Ladies committee.

The presentations were made Andy Longley and Chris Morton, the Chairman of Youth Rugby. This year the players of each age group squad voted for the team prize winners while the coaches and managers decided who would receive the main club prizes.

The award winners were:

Squad Player of the Year: Ben Mason (U12), Matthew Tighe (U13/14), Dan Smith (U15) and John Tovey (U16).

Best Forward: Thomas King (U12), Adam Green (U13/14), Stuart Clark (U15) and Allun Lewis (U16).

Best Back: Richard Mason (U12), Tom Kennedy-Hughes (U13/14), Peter Perret (U15) and J P McCumisky (U16).

Most Improved Player: David Morgans (U12), Chris Prosser (U13/14), Matthew Preston (U15) and Nick Dennis (U16).

Best Squad Clubman: David Wood (U12), Jamie Blackmore (U13/14), James Clarke (U15) and Wayne Downes (16).

Junior Player-of-the-Year: Andrew Bass (U16 & North Mids U16 schools).

Youth Chairman's Cup: Michael Wenden (U16 & North Mids U16 clubs).

Coaches Award: Will Bowen (U12 captain).

Clubman of the Year: Daniel Kay (U17 & North Midlands U17 clubs).

Chris Morton congratulated all the prize winners and announced that the Malvern RFC Juniors would now take a deserved break until July 2001 when development days will be held for all registered juniors players.

He then announced that on Saturday September 1 all established junior players and prospective new members will be invited to register for the new season with training sessions beginning on Sunday (Sept 2) for all the age groups.