THERE were many nominations for the top awards in the Crediton RFC Ladies Section Senior Presentation Evening this year but it was Lorraine Harris who took the award for Most Improved Player of the Year, Ellen Pearce was Player of the Year and Emma Bolt was Players’ Player of the Year.

Gemma Carnegie, Crediton RFC “Cougars” coach spoke at the evening and said: “For the first time in Crediton RFC history I would like to welcome our ladies team to the end-of-season dinner and congratulate them on an incredible first season.

“As I am sure you are aware the club has had a thriving Junior Girls section for a few years now and it was felt a ladies team was needed so that these players wouldn’t be lost to other clubs when becoming senior players.

“When the ladies first came together 12 months ago there were only five players who had previous playing experience with all the others completely new to the game.

“Many of our players were ‘rugby widows’ who had spent many years standing on the touchline watching their husbands or sons or daughters playing, and thought it was about time it was their turn to play!

“Over the course of the year, our players have gone from strength-to-strength, learning every aspect of the game and putting in real commitment at training to become a well-established team.

“We have been producing 15 players plus subs for every match, even lending players to the opposition, our players have shown real dedication to the team and our club.

“The highlights of the season included an away win at Winscombe and collecting our first trophy by finishing third in the Devon Ladies 10’s festival held at Plymstock.

“Our youngest player this year was only 18 and our oldest played rugby for the first time this year at the age of 51 so it is a game for all!

“It has been a steep learning curve for our ladies but the ethos of our team is built around fun and friendship and they’ve got through the season together.

“Playing rugby for many of these ladies has not just been a new challenge but it has been a life-changing experience.

“They have worn the clubs shirt with pride and earned the respect of opposition and supporters by their performance and behaviour on and off the pitch. They have received many bumps and bruises but they know that ‘pain is just weakness leaving the body’.

“The season has laid the foundations for our newest team and next season I hope they will continue to build on their amazing start.”

With regard to the Most Improved Player of the Year, Gemma said that this award could have gone to many players and nominations included Emma Bolt, Milly Rice, Lorraine Harris and Jessie Courtney.

The award went to Lorraine Harris.

The Players’ Player of the Year was voted by the players, and she said this could only have one winner and that was Emma Bolt.

Finally, Player of the Year. Nominations include Tasha Currie, Milly Rice and Ellen Pearce.

It was awarded to Ellen Pearce who could not make this evening due to making the finals for a Pantomime Competition in Blackpool.