On Friday the 19th of May the Falmouth Rugby Family came together to celebrate and acknowledge their players for the close of the 2022/23 season.

It was a spirited Rugby Award Ceremony involving everyone from the Seniors side of the Club; The Raptors Touch, The Women's Senior, and The Men's Teams (The Eagles 1XV and The One & All 2XV).

The awards on show before the winners were presented (Image: Falmouth Rugby)

Billed as "Club Night" the celebration kicked off at 6 pm with a Free Hog roast and vegetarian buffet, alongside the Players Awards, where both individual and collective success was recognised in the friendly-fun informal setting of the Falmouth Rugby Clubhouse, with members, friends, and family of all players warmly welcomed.

"This event provided a great opportunity to engage with all our teams, and to verbally thank our community of Rugby Volunteers and Coaches who keep the playing side of Rugby moving forward." - John Bullock Chairman.

The sound of cheer filled the Clubhouse when The One & All 2XV were acknowledged for winning their Cornwall Merit 4 League and making it to the semi-finals of the Cornwall RFU Duchy Cup.

While the Eagles acknowledged what was a tricky campaign in the Tribute Counties 1 league, having lost key players and coaching staff in the early part of the season to fight on and narrowly escape relegation due to a league restructure.

The Club however remains upbeat on their recent string of Wins under coaches Darren Becconsall and Tom Spiller to end on a high. Having reached the semi-finals of the national Papa John's Community Cup only missing out on the Final by a mere point away to Crowborough who then went on to win the competition.

Both the Women's Team and The Raptors Touch continue to grow and go from strength to strength with summer training continuing at the Rec on Mondays from 7 pm for the mixed Touch Team, and bi-weekly on Thursdays from 7 pm for the Women's Team. New members of all abilities are welcome.

A special mention was given to Lydia Hawkins who represents the Cornwall Senior Women as Falmouth's first women's county player, while Chris (Sandy) Sanders was recognised for his long service, on his timely retirement from playing. "Some say his shorts have played longer" said President Paul Radmore, who was in charge of presenting the awards to the players.

Chris (Sandy) Sanders awarded for long service to the club (Image: Falmouth Rugby)

Reflecting on the event, Tom Spiller, Director of Rugby said: "Having their names engraved on awards and printed on certificates in the Club's 150th milestone season, is some honour, and to be recognised by your piers in front of your teammates, friends, and rugby family is second to none. We play for each other here, so these moments of reflection are special."

Recipients of The 2022/23 Awards:

• Claudia Keyworth (Raptors Touch: Most Improved)
• Richard Tyler (Raptors Touch: Most Valuable Player)
• Shanti Duraikan (Raptors Touch: Coaches Player of the Year)
• Kirsty Hick (Women's: Most Improved)
• Abi Sanders-Crook (Women's: Players Player)
• Tug Wilson (One & All 2XV: Standout Moment)
• Richard Chave (One & All 2XV: Most Improved)
• Ned Laity (One & All 2XV: Players Player)
• Sean Pond (One & all 2XV: Captains Player)
• Tom Spiller (Club Captain's Trophy & Top Try Scorer)
• Rowan Lawrence (Eagles 1XV: Players Player)
• Ben Rosevear (Eagles 1XV: Coaches Player)

You can find photos of all the winners here: Facebook

Danny Trick, who deals with the club's communications was hopeful even more players could join them next season, he said: "With an inclusive membership of both men and women players aged 16+, we wanted to create an evening accessible to all our members where everyone could feel involved in the player's awards ceremony in a safe and friendly environment.

"For those looking to join the club membership for next season it opens in July, we hope to hold a recruitment event which we hope to announce soon."

For more information email Falmouth Rugby at: [email protected]

On Saturday 22nd July Falmouth Rugby Club culminate their 150th celebrations at their Summer Gala Dinner, with a feast in a marquee on the Recreation Ground.

They are looking forward to welcoming rugby legend Gareth Chillcott former Lions, England & Bath Hooker as their guest speaker, alongside highlights consisting of a string quartet.

The Final Club Awards of 'Club Volunteer of the Year' and 'Club Person of the Year' will be presented at the Gala Dinner. Tickets for this have proved very popular with over 150 sold already.

A limited amount are still available at £75pp to members and £120pp for non members and sponsors. For more information visit: www.falmouthrugbyclub.co.uk/gala-dinner or speak with a member of The Clubhouse team.