Olbison’s super season earns him top award
● WIDNES back-rower Tom Olbison picked up the main accolade at the Vikings Awards night on Tuesday when he was named Stronghold Player of the Year.
In a difficult season for the team as a whole, Olbison has stood out with his hard working performances, typified by his Weekly News ‘Star Man’ showing against Leeds Rhinos on Sunday.
The former Bradford Bulls man was delighted to have his efforts recognised by the club’s supporters and promised the team will fight hard to avoid relegation.
He said: “It’s an honour for me to have our fans vote me as their Player of the Year. They are here through the tough times so to have their recognition this year means a lot. As a club, we have to keep fighting and that starts with Halifax on Saturday.”
Players’ Player of the Year was named as long-serving forward Macgraff Leuluai who reiterated Olbison’s call to arms, adding: “It’s great for the boys to vote for me for this award – it’s an honour. We still have everything to fight for. Salford stayed up with three wins so there’s no reason why we can’t do the same.
“The lads are determined to give it their all and make sure the club stays in Super League.”
In a clean sweep for the pack men, 19-yearold prop forward Owen Farnworth was named as Young Player of the Year.
He commented: “I’ve been here for five years and it’s been great in both the U19s and first-team. I want to thank all the Academy coaches for helping me through everything since I’ve been here. That’s both on the field and off the field in terms of education – I’m grateful for their help.”
Sunday, September 13, 1987 MARTIN OFFIAH scored his first tries for the club in the 40-6 win in the Lancashire Cup at Second Division neighbours Runcorn Highfield.
A half-time lead of 24-2 came after David Hulme had crossed twice, followed by Darren Wright and John Myler in the last 15 minutes of the half, with the latter contributing four conversions.
Moments after Runcorn had scored their only try, the match descended into a 20-man brawl with each team suffering a dismissal and a sin-binning, before Offiah endeared himself to the Widnes faithful with Tony Myler adding a try. John Myler knocked over two more conversions to complete the rout. ● WIDNES VIKINGS: On This Day is available now at £9.99 from the Vikings Superstore.