Fitting reward for Wids’ hero Derek
LAST week’s Annual General Meeting at Widnes RUFC was a special moment for one person in particular.
That person was longserving Derek Dyer, who was on hand to pick up the Club Person of the Year Award for 2022.
It was a fitting reward for Derek, who has done, and continues to do, so much good work on behalf of the Club.
Rugby related activities last season was made extremely difficult because of the fall-out from Covid. But, thanks to much of Derek’s hard work – one of many - the Club is now arguably in a much better place than it was before.
The former Halton Rugby Union began his rugby career back in 1976 and later joined the Wids where he has been ever since, and is now part of the furniture.
He is well-respected by all his peers both far and wide, simply because of the number of hats he wears and the variety and quantity and quality of the jobs he does.
Those tasks include; liaison with opposition Clubs, Referees’ Society, league and the County.
He is tasked with organising and re-arranging fixtures on a week-to-week basis, whilst also maintaining his role as First Team Kit man, Manager and match day touch judge.
Meanwhile, the Second team have finalised their coaching set up for the coming season by announcing that Matty Walker will be joining the staff as backs coach.
Walker who was Head coach of the Colts team last season is currently contemplating retirement after another suffering another serious injury to his thumb which has previously twice undergone surgery.
Walkers’ appointment was confirmed by Head coach Dan Newall who offered him the role after his injury last season. Newall will again take charge of the Seconds having now coached over 150 games and will continue to be assisted by forwards coach Adam Watson who will also continue in his role for a second season.
Commenting on Walker’s appointment Dan Newall said “With Matt’s injury problems, I had no hesitation in offering him a place on the coaching staff. He’s done it really tough the last three or four years with injuries with the possibility of a third operation.
“Matty is someone who always showed a lot of heart and leadership whilst playing, he has got a great attitude which fits with the philosophy we are trying to build and hope that will rub off on the players.
“He also has a great rugby brain and understands the game. He is someone I felt we had to keep involved. With the coaching experience he already has he’s going to be a great addition to our staff and I’m sure the lads will enjoy working with him.”
The good news also keeps on coming as Newall also confirmed Ben McQuillan will continue as the team’s captain for a third successive season.
The Second team will line up in the newly shaped ADM combination league having finished last season as runners up by just one point on the final day of the campaign, and Newall is full of optimism for the coming season.
“We had a phenomenal season last year and missed out on the league title on the final day which was absolutely gutting for us to take, but we really want to go that one step further this season. There have been some new teams come across into the league and it’s probably overall more difficult as a result.
“But, if we can keep improving, we should go well and challenge at the top again.”