Local sports clubs who were just about to round off their seasons when the Covid 19 hit our country have found themselves unable to celebrate in the traditional way with an annual dinner and presentation evening to round off another campaign.

But one club which has had to forego the formal meal but were determined to complete the latter was Neyland RFC – and although it wasn't your traditional presentation, recognition was given on social media for a range of awards for the 2019/20 campaign - which was restricted to just 13 league and cup games due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
 

Two awards for skipper George

Owain Evans, Iestyn Evans, Mark James, Henry Mcbeth and Ben Williams all featured in every single match - but it was skipper George Williams who took the honour for being ‘Top Try Scorer’. He also accumulated the most points - edging out No 10 Toby Hayman.

George Williams was also voted the ‘Players' Player’ by his teammates and this honour was due appreciation, not only for the way this talented young player performed but led the team by example, carrying a couple of niggling injuries but making sure he was always there!



 

Owain’s efforts recognised

The ‘Coaches' Player of the Year’, picked by Graham 'Gaga' Richards, went to young flanker Owain Evans, who impressed week in week out on the field and displayed great commitment to both playing and training. Although small in stature he even switched from flanker to hooker when the need arose. As well as his 100% record he also scored four tries and showed the typical tenacity of the Evans’ family that his dad Steve brought to a club that he also served so well.

And because of his total commitment Owain was also given the Clubman of the Year award, making him the youngest- ever winner of the honour.

Sam’s the man for team manager Peter

The Team Manager’s award went to Sam Cataki, who played in seven different positions between September and March. As team manager Peter Davies explained to PembrokeshireSport.co.uk in one game against Haverfordwest he switched from prop, to flanker, and to the wing during the 80 minutes!

Sam also filled in at second row, centre and even full back as other examples of his dedication to the All Blacks’ cause!
 

County selection for Neyland quartet – and recognition for Sam and Ieuan

Prior to the season being curtailed Mark James, brothers Owain and Iestyn Evans, plus skipper George Williams also all represented the Pembrokeshire side that played Valero at Pembroke Dock.

The ‘Unsung Hero’ award was jointly won by Sam and Ieuan Hadley, both of whom were happy to play out of position for much of the campaign.

 

A great clubman wins the award in memory of the top clubman

But perhaps the most popular award went to Robert Johns as he was the winner of the prestigious Martin ‘Ceefax’ Rees Award for service to Neyland RFC.
Robert has been involved at the club for over fifty years as a player, coach and well respected committee man. ‘Ceefax’ was a great clubman whose passion for sport in Neyland was immeasurable and it is very fitting that another great man in Robert Johns has won his award.





 

Deserved thanks provided by ‘Jack’

 

The winners were announced by Peter Davies, who added his thanks to all involved at the club.

"Thanks to our captain George Williams and the squad of players who have had a challenging season but battled on and given 100%.

"Also our committee men who have striven to keep the club going and to Wendy Watts for the raffles and Charlie Watts for the programmes.

"Coaches Graham Richards and Steven Evans  have worked hard again in this difficult season and even had to put the boots back on in a season where our squad was hit with injuries.

"Thanks also to Jonny Sutton and staff at the Neyland Athletic club who have kept us and the junior section fed and watered throughout the season.

"To the coaches, team management, referees and parents of the junior section thank you very much for your great work - keep it up."