End of Season Awards 2005

This year it was decided to abandon the idea of a dinner as the last two had only made 30+ people because of the Halligan Family and their entourage! This meant the presentation of the End of Season Awards needed another occasion, and what better than following the Presidents XV Match.

So it was that following a very interesting match, which was won by the Wyvern (again!), the entertainment moved to the bar. Following a buffet, which was laid on for all the players, families and spectators, Captain Jon Wren took over proceedings.

First on the agenda was the soon to be departed Simon "Scampi" Camp, who had just played his final match for the Wyvern before his move to Adelaide in the Land of Oz. Obviously there is no REAL beer on the other side of the world, so it was felt he should drink his fill! He had to have several goes, but he got there in the end!

Moving on Captain Wren now turned to what he referred to as "The Establishment", which the rest of us would know as the front row! This season saw new boys Dave Cox and Moley team up with Club Chairman and longstanding cornerstone of the pack, Westy. This trio had been key to the scrummaging success enjoyed by the pack this season and Captain Wren felt it appropriate to mark their contribution with a special presentation. The following picture shows our trio decked in new attire appropriate for the season (explanation below):

Moley - work it out for yourself!!

Coxy took on the whole Bridgwater pack single handed!

Westy, well, he just won't be stopped - and with a stunning winger's try in the President's match, who's going to argue with him!

The 'main event' now saw presentations as follows:

Forward Players of the Year

Coxy and Moley
(As these twins were separated at birth, it seemed appropriate that they shouldn't separated now!)

Coxy is seen here accepting on behalf of the pair of them and directing much of his response at Fish (as I recall!).

Back Player of the Year

Howie

Panic set in when Howie got hold of the microphone and the idea of a 'long afternoon at the Wyvern' seemed to be rapidly losing its appeal!

Tour Pratt

Spud

Spud was not too impressed to receive this as he felt his chivalrous act of leaping to the defence of his fellow front row did not make him a Pratt. However, as Jon pointed out, "We were 100 miles from home, about to return to the home team clubhouse and Spud lands a full punch right in the mouth of the Captain of the opposing team". Suffice to say peace was negotiated and we did enjoy the rest of the 'Day Trip'.

Clubman of the Year

Rod Cochran

Rod played for much of the season, but while carrying injury or illness he could always be relied upon to come and support the side. Jon explained that Rod was also the man who each week cleaned the shirts and got them to the venue clean (and dry!!) regardless of his own personal arrangements. Unfortunately Rod was unable to make the day, but this was a popular choice with all present.

Finally ...

Mick Halligan closed proceedings with the Presentation of the Presidents Award to the Captain. In a further break with tradition, Jon was presented with a black polo shirt bearing the Wyvern crest and the following: Wyvern RFC, Captain 2004 - 2006. Good luck for next season Jon.

Mick thanked the Presidents XV team players and, in particular, Mike Berry from Bridgwater Rugby Club. At the age of 57 Mike had just played his second game of the weekend, having played in Bridgwater colours the previous day for the 1472 time.

Mike is seen here with former Wyvern regular, Bob McWilliams.