Clubs’ big night will be a very prized occasion
CRAMLINGTON Rockets and Gateshead Storm have been shortlisted for honours at this year’s North East Rugby League Awards.
The clubs lead the way with nine nominations each at the awards, which cover the on-field exploits of the region as well as the efforts of its numerous volunteers throughout the year.
Ten clubs will be represented at the prize night, to be staged at Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Park ground on September 8 (6.30).
These include Whitley Bay Barbarians, Wallsend Eagles and Durham Tigers.
There are several intriguing match-ups throughout the categories, including the region’s two most successful coaches, Cramlington’s Jordan Robinson and Gateshead’s Ieuan Bodman, who have collected six trophies between them this year.
Rockets’ chairman Jeff Ball said: “We are delighted to have so many nominated again.
“What strikes me is the range of clubs recognised and the many positive stories it points to.
“With such a range of people involved in the sport locally, it is no wonder more and more people across the UK are looking to the North East in how to grow the sport in a new area.”
Watch out for a picture speical on the awards in Grassroots Sport.
AWARDS SHORTLIST - Spirit of the Community Award: Jen and Baz Egglestone (Durham Tigers), Michelle Scott (Whitley Bay Barbarians), Chloe Bell (Gateshead Storm). Referee Of The Year: Adam Houston, Gavin Houston, Jordan Robinson. Volunteer Of The Year: Steve Lamb (Cramlington Rockets), Geoff and Michelle Hurst (Gateshead Storm), Rob Jones (Gateshead Storm), Toby Bell (Whitley Bay Barbarians), Emma Smith (Catterick Crusaders), Helen Taylor (Peterlee Pumas). Junior Coach Of The Year: Alan Stevenson (Wallsend Eagles Under-16s), Christian Button (Catterick Crusaders Under12s), Jordan Robinson (Cramlington Rockets Under-16 Black), Phil Shaw (Yarm Wolves Under-14s), Ieuan Bodman (Gateshead Storm Under-14s), Sharon McCoy (Whitley Bay Barbarians). Men’s Coach Of The Year: Stephen Bradley (Wallsend Eagles), George Taylor (Jarrow Vikings), Dave Townend (Cramlington Rockets), Jason Grant (Catterick Crusaders). Young Player Of The Year: Jared Poole (Catterick Crusaders), James McGurk (Jarrow Vikings), Jack Redfern (Cramlington Rockets), James Cook (Durham Demons), Alex Coxon (Peterlee Pumas). Player Of The Year: Louis Platt (Cramlington Rockets), Derick Worthington (Jarrow Vikings), Neil Emmerson (Gateshead Storm), Marc Willey (Durham Demons), Austin Phillips (Wallsend Eagles). Under-12 Player Of The Year: Joe Dunham (Cramlington Rockets), Bryce Dixon (Whitley Bay Barbarians), Finlay Wilkinson (Cramlington Rockets), Xander Connelly (Catterick Crusaders), Lewis Urwin (Gateshead Storm). Under-14 Player Of The Year: Dan O’Rielly (Catterick Crusaders), Elliot Shaw (Yarm Wolves), Jake Anderson (Gateshead Storm), Cameron Young (Whitley Bay Barbarians), Tyler Hepple (Gateshead Storm). Under-16 Player Of The Year: Tyler Walton (Wallsend Eagles), Will Todd (Durham Tigers), Nathan Clemmitt (Cramlington Rockets), Rupart Civil (Catterick Crusaders), Alex Donaghy (Cramlington Rockets), Matthew Hurst (Gateshead Storm).