Quarterback Aynsley is cream of the crop
EK Pirates celebrate another successful campaign
Aynsley Barclay scooped an awards double as East Kilbride Pirates celebrated their success in the 2017 Opal Flag campaign.
Six awards were handed out by the coaching staff, recognising the top players on both sides of the ball.
Quarterback Aynsley added to her already impressive number of awards as a Pirates women’s player by collecting both Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year – the award voted on by her team-mates.
The awards also saw a new ‘Passion of a Pirate’ award handed out by Alan Young – women’s flag head coach – to the player who had given their all for the team both on and off the field.
Heather Spurling McGowan, one of the founding members of the women’s flag team, was the first recipient as the team gathered at The Raven in Glasgow.
A play of the year award voted by the players was also handed out to Robyn McCluskey and Louise Donnelly.
Clare Dynes, Robyn McCluskey and Aynsley, who had each clocked up an impressive 100 per cent attendance at all team practices, meetings and events, were also rewarded with special T-shirts for their dedication.
The winners in full were:
Play of theYear – Robyn McCluskey and Louise Donnelly
Most improved Player of theYear – Jem McAdam Rookie of theYear – Kerry McLaughlin Offensive Player of theYear – Louise Donnelly
Defensive Player of theYear – Carla Costa Player of theYear – Aynsley Barclay Players’Player of theYear – Aynsley Barclay
Passion of a Pirate award – Heather Spurling McGowan
100 per cent attendance T-shirt winners – Clare Dynes, Robyn McCluskey and Aynsley Barclay
Following the successful evening, Pirates chair Amanda McDonald said: “This was a great event and it was fantastic to see everyone together celebrating our best flag season so far.
“My congratulations go to all the winners.
“Our women’s flag team now have a number of additional tournaments planned, including some European competitions, before the next Opal season starts later in the year.”