Rams sign off season in style

TONY CUNNINGHAM

RA M S B O T TOM United held their end of season Presentation Night in the adjacent Cricket Club and were joined for the first time by members of the Junior Section Under 21s.

Since being formed less than ten years ago, the Junior Section has mushroomed, and currently has 33 teams competing at all levels from under 6 upwards.

The effort put in by so many coaches bore fruit this season, when three of the Juniors – Dean Hardy, Jack Corcoran and Regan Jarrett – made their first team debuts, and were suitably presented on the night with some rather amusing mementoes!

The Juniors ‘ Player of the Year’ accolade was won by Taylor Jones.

Clinching the ‘Supporters Player of the Year’ trophy was keeper Dean Hardy, while the ‘Players’ Player of the Year’ award was scooped by Matthew Woods.

All the recipients received a warm round of applause from not only the Junior members but all the First Team squad, with the hope that more from the Juniors can make the grade and step up to play in the Evo-Stik League.

The first presentation for the First Team was to the April Player-of-theMonth, as voted for by the supporters, and sponsored by Irwell Works Brewery. The recipient was striker Ryan Salmon who notched five goals in three games. ●● Luke Thompson, Damian Green and Dean Stott

Ryan Salmon was also presented with an award by the supporters as the club’s leading goalscorer with 18 goals.

A compilation video was then shown featuring a number of ‘Goal of the Season’ contenders. To much cheering as every ball hit the back of the net, the eventual winner was announced as the only goal of the game at Colne early in the season, scored with a terrific finish from the trusty left foot of Damian Green.

The final presentation from the supporters was the ‘Supporters Player of the Year’, and the popular choice here, just edging out Brad Roscoe and Dean Stott was central defender Luke Thompson.

For the first time this year, the club introduced a new award, that of ‘ Young Player of the Season’. Manager Mark Fell was delighted to present this to Bradley Roscoe who has enjoyed an excellent first season at this level.

The prestigious ‘Players’ Player of the Year’ saw a double success for Luke Thompson, who stepped up from North West Counties League football last summer, and has had a terrific year at the higher level. Goalkeeper Dean Hardy receiving an under 21s award from sponsor Angie Leach, Andy Hall (Jr Chairman) and Matt Horne (Jr Secretary)

Fell also made a presentation to two supporters who had seen every game this season, club photographer Frank Crook and programme contributor Darren Comer.

Just missing out was the club’s recently appointed match reporter Jon Haslam, who missed just one game – a pre-season match at New Mills!

Flowers were also presented to the girls who assist on matchdays with the catering.

The last award went to a player who has had a very good career, but announced his retirement last week. Gareth Seddon received a framed photo- graph of himself playing for the Rams, with all his team-mates adding a signature as a memento of his time with his hometown club. Seddon then made a short speech thanking everyone and stating how he had enjoyed his successful career and the friends he had made at all his clubs.

Following a speech from chairman Harry Williams who stated his slight disappointment with this season but hoped the club can continue to push forward next season, the guests enjoyed a pie and peas supper, and a raffle, before a disco finished off a very enjoyable night. ●● Retiring Gareth Seddon presented with team signed photo by manager Mark Fell