by John Walsh

Last updated at 17:41, Friday, 02 July 2010

Former Morpeth forward James Thornton completed a prestigious double at Penrith’s presentation night.

James Thornton

Thornton, who joined the club towards the end of the previous season, was Player of the Year and was delighted when his teammates came to the same conclusion and voted him Players’ Player.

Gavin Cartmel was Top Try Scorer with an impressive total of 18 while a new award for the Most Improved Player went to prop Glen Carr, who once he got a run in the side after November had come on in leaps and bounds.

First team captain Rob Dawson gave his power point presentation to the gathering and said the team had an excellent season – although the final league game at Stockport had been a massive disappointment on which to end.

But to finish third in the league with a chance of promotion right up to the death was some achievement and the best finish in the club’s history. To retain the county cup was the icing on the cake.

He made reference to the mix of youth and experience in the side and the contribution of two of his veterans in the pack, Steve Dixon at prop had been key and David Preston at lock had had an outstanding season.

Terry Balmer gave an over-view of the Vagabonds season, after their first foray into the Miller Homes League which had given their season some structure not just a series of friendlies against the same old sides.

They had been successful in gaining promotion and their awards went to John Sealby who won The Player of the Year Award; Ben Littleton who was voted Players’ Player by his team mates and finally Top Try Scorer was Terry Balmer himself with a total for the campaign of 28. He also revealed his total for the club over his playing career was a massive 453.

Dave Bellas reported on the Development side’s endeavours during the season and reported after a poor start they had improved in the second half of the league season with a creditable mid table finish.

Their Top Try Scorer was Sam Edgar with Nick Benson taking the Player of the Year Trophy and the squad members themselves selecting the impressive Billy Barton as Players Player.

It was no surprise when the club’s award for Young Player of the Year went to Gavin Cartmel, the Most Improved Young Player went to Sandy Kerridge and the club’s Team of the Year went to the Under 16’s.

First published at 14:12, Friday, 02 July 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk