THE Malvern RFC Youth Development Section celebrated one of the most successful seasons in their 10-year history with an end of season awards dinner at Spring Lane.

More than 100 junior rugby players, their parents and special guests saw the player of the year award go to 17-year-old flank forward, Christian Edwards, who sadly missed the event because he was taking part in the Ten Torrs Run across Dartmoor.

Nevertheless, Lynn Edwards, Christian's mother, was there to collect the award on her son's behalf and telephoned the good news to Christian after the run the next day.

Terry Fleming, Dave Sanderson and Mike Fray, who were founders of the Youth Development Section, were the special guests and helped to award the 30 squad awards and five club awards to the junior members. They were joined by club captain Andy Longley and his wife Monica, director of rugby David Robins and his wife Linda, Henry O'Brien representing Brookhire and former Chase PE master Mark Cox, who helped forge a very special working link between the school and the club's youth section.

The main Junior Club awards presented were: Player of the year; Christian Edwards (U17), Chairman's Cup: Stephen Bowen (U15), Coaches' Award: Adam Green (U14); Clubman of the year: Alex Chew (U16); Colts captain's Cup: John Tovey and Andy Bass (both U17s).

The squad player of the year awards were presented to: Andy Bass (U17), Jonathan Avery (U16), Andy Powell (U15), Liam Moloney (U14), Will Bowen (U13) and Laurence Szymanski (U12).

Other special awards were: Club ties to parents Rob Green and Nigel Chew for help behind the scenes on match-days; a floral bouquet to fixture secretary Sara Bryant and a bottle of whiskey from the children to chairman of youth, Gary Tolley to help steady his nerves!

Special thanks were also given to chef Steve Holmes and Vivien Tolley for the wonderful three course dinner and to Chrissie Starbuck (Lofthouse), who sadly missed the evening due to illness. Everyone at Malvern RFC hopes that Chrissie is able to make a full and speedy recovery very soon.

The Malvern RFC YDS will continue to run rugby development sessions through the summer with registration day for the new rugby season scheduled on Saturday, August 30, from 12.30 to 2.30pm.