Leadbetter calls time on tenure as skipper
THE recent 2022 Lancashire Cup Final marked the end of a remarkable sixyear reign as Club Captain for Kevin Leadbetter.
Next season, Tom O’Neill will be the man in charge, and the hope from everyone is that the former Captain will continue to turn out again next year - providing his aching limbs will allow him to do so!
Perhaps better known as the ‘man for all seasons’ Kevin been a remarkable ambassador for the Club both as a player and Captain alike. He rarely ever misses a game whether he is injured or not, and is well respected by everyone who knows him particularly for all of the extra work he puts in both on and off the pitch away from a match day and training nights.
The former captain has just completed his 15th season in the First Team which equates to something like 430 games.
He is one of the Club’s most prolific points scorers in its history, whether that be running in tries or kicking goals.
He has played in every position in the backline, but in recent seasons has settled into the role of stand-off where he can direct traffic and guide his players around the pitch.
He was also in charge when the Club completed its most successful ever season in 2018-19, when the team won three trophies – the League title, League Cup and the Lancashire Trophy.
The following year, they were able to retain the ADM Premier League title and reached the semifinal of the National Cup.
Outgoing President Martin Griffiths also added “Kevin has been an active member at the Wids since starting in the Juniors.
He was club captain for an impressive six consecutive seasons and was a key player in the Treble winning team, earning him the Club Person of the Year Award”.
He continued “This season - his last as captain didn’t quite achieve the same level, but 2nd place in the league and appearances in two cup finals is still a very good performance.
“I would like to thank Kevin for his service and hope to see him at the club, together with his supportive family, for many years to come”.
+ The Wids Under 15’s held their Presentation Night recently, and was worth the wait after an absence of two years caused by the pandemic.
The evening consisted of a Race Night and pizzas, and was a great way to come together and celebrate the past season.
The coaching staff would like to thank their sponsors; Chris Price and Joanne Owen of Landscape World, and David and Clare Farrell of Hough Green Garage who have provided playing kit and after match pizza this season along, with Altrad Groups sponsorship of after match wear. Their support of has been invaluable and appreciated by the whole team.
There was also a big thank you to all the parents who have been in attendance all season and in all weathers - to support the players, team and Coaching staff.
There was also a thank you to the club staff and volunteers for the work done to maintain the grounds, and serve the food to provide refreshments to teams and visitors.
Each player was rewarded for their commitment and work throughout the season with the individual award winners as follows;
● Defensive Warrior: Rueben Mafi and Zak Mannion ● Relentless Athlete: Lewis Owen and Reece Robinson
● Creative Attacker: Lewis York and Edward Price
● Best Teammate: Harry Davies and JoJo Patton
● Coach Awards: Chris
McBride, Vincent Rowlands, Ethan Pullen
● Parents Player: Kian McGann
● Players Player: Daniel Salter
● Members are reminded that the 63rd Annual General Meeting of Widnes RUFC will be held at Heath Road at 8pm on Thursday 30th June 2022.