SANDBACH RUGBY CLUB 2023/24 AWARDS

As the dust settles on the 2023/24 season, it’s time to reflect on the personal achievements of individuals at Sandbach Rugby Club and there are plenty to honour.

The annual awards were given out after the final 1^st XV game of the season against Scunthorpe.

Both the ‘1^st XV Players’ Player of the Season’ and the ‘Coach’s Player of the Season’ went to the exceptional Laurie Essenhigh. The scrum-half has lit up games this season with his entertaining style of rugby and if supporters were giving an award, he would most certainly be picked for this as well. Laurie was also selected in the Regional 1 North West Team of the Year 23/24, which was voted for by the clubs in the league.

The ‘2^nd XV Players’ Player’ went to Matt Hulme, who plays in the back row and as hooker. A special mention went to Mike Butler, who’s also impressed in the first team recently.

The ‘3rd XV Most Progress of the Season’ went to Jonny Morris with the ‘Players’ Player of the Season’ going to Harry Bell. The ‘Stormer’ of the Season’ was awarded to Ant Dowell. Special thanks went to Jake Jackson.

The 4^th XV, also known as the Stallions, gave the ‘Best Contribution to 4th XV Rugby’ to Andy Pipe with Matt Stanway mentioned for his contribution. The ‘Players' Player of the Year’ award went to Paul Jones.

There was plenty to choose from for the ‘Senior Player - Most Progress of the Season’ and special mentions went to Dylan Sibanda and Mike Butler. The award deservedly went to Harry Leese, who was recently awarded his first team debut and scored a try in the final game of the season.

There’s an exciting crop of youngsters coming through the ranks at the club. For the ‘Sandbach RUFC Young Player of the Season’ award, both Henry Mitchell and Archie Lea gained special mentions, but Mike Butler was the worthy winner.

‘Sandbach RUFC Clubman of the Year’ was awarded to Matt Stanway with Joe Cooper and Andy Pipe being mentioned for their contribution.

The ‘Outstanding Contribution to Sandbach RUFC in the Modern Era’ award was rightly given to both Kevin Mowbray and Paddy Davenport. Kevin is in his ninth season as matchday support and you’ll often see him running the touch lines on match day. His roles include Kit Manager and Grounds Secretary and he is a crucial cog in the club. Paddy, a former President of the club, has given many years of service to the club in a remarkable number of roles and his contribution has enabled the club to thrive. Paddy is rightly honoured for his years of dedicated service.    

Sandbach Rugby Club offers much more than senior rugby. Touch Rugby, Walking Rugby and a growing Women and Girls game are integral to the club.

The ‘Sandbach RUFC Recognition Award for Touch Rugby’ went to Robin Pipe with thanks going to Paul Stock. For Walking Rugby, Mark Findler was awarded the ‘Recognition Award’ with thanks extended to Dave Pipe.

In Women & Girls Rugby, Emma Gardner was the recipient of the ‘Recognition Award’ and special mention went to Rei Crooks, who is Women & Girls lead coach and Ros Wiggins. Ros also coaches the youngest and smallest Sandbach Rugby players in the Didi Rugby sessions.

The ‘2nd XV Rugby Recognition Award’ went to SP Morris with thanks going to Tom King.

In coaching, 2^nd XV Coach Myles Hall was thanked for his contribution and the ‘Recognition Award’ went to Matt Bebbington, who has just finished his fifth and final season as part of the coaching team and is now recognised for the role he has played over the years.

The final award was for the incredibly important medical team. The medical team are all local medical practitioners and put player welfare above all else. Medical Lead Tom Lea was presented with the ‘Recognition Award’, with a special welcome being given to Stefan Carney.

Full list of awards and winners:

• Sandbach RUFC 1st XV Players’ Player of the Season 2023/24 - Laurie Essenhigh 

• Sandbach RUFC 1st XV Coach’s Player of the Season 2023/24 - Laurie Essenhigh 

• Sandbach RUFC 2nd XV Players’ Player of the Season 2023/24 - Matt Hulme

• Sandbach RUFC 3rd XV Most Progress of the Season 2023/24 - Jonny Morris 

• Sandbach RUFC 3rd XV Players’ Player of the Season 2023/24 - Harry Bell 

• Sandbach RUFC ‘Stormer’ of the Season 2023/24 - Ant Dowell

• Best contribution to 4th XV Rugby at Sandbach RUFC 2023/24 - Andy Pipe 

• Player’s Player of the Year – 4th XV - Paul Jones

• Sandbach RUFC Senior Player Most Progress of the Season 2023/24 - Harry Leese 

• Sandbach RUFC Young Player of the Season 2023/24 - Mike Butler 

• Sandbach RUFC Clubman of the Year 2023/24 - Matt Stanway 

• Outstanding Contribution to Sandbach RUFC in the Modern Era - Kevin Mowbray & Paddy Davenport 

• Sandbach RUFC Recognition Award 2023/24 - Touch Rugby - Robin Pipe 

• Sandbach RUFC Recognition Award 2023/24 - Walking Rugby - Mark Findler

• Sandbach RUFC Recognition Award 2023/24 - Women & Girls Rugby - Emma Gardner 

• Sandbach RUFC Recognition Award - 2nd XV Rugby - SP Morris

• Sandbach RUFC Recognition Award - Coaching - Matt Bebbington 

• Sandbach RUFC Recognition Award - Medical - Tom Lea

Photo credit - Josh Randle.