Clacton Rugby Club brought the season to a close with their presentation and awards evening, playing host to a youth touring side from Westcliff and holding the annual Ernie Tweedy Sevens competition on Sunday.

It all made for a hectic few days at the Valley Road clubhouse, especially after the club's marquee - having been erected on Tuesday evening - was blow away by the strong winds last Wednesday.

By Thursday, a new one had been purchased and everything was back in place by Friday.

The presentation evening started with the youth section's awards.

This season has seen a huge interest in youth rugby and it has been possible to field teams at three different levels - under-15, under-13 and under-11.

Trophies were presented to the following: Under-15s Best Forward of the Year - Danny Pratchet, Under-15s Best Back of the Year - Aaron Redpath, Under-15s Players' Player of the Year - Billy Matthews, Under-13s Coach's Player - Tom Cox, Under-11s Coach's Player - Lee Herrington-Doe.

The evening then moved on to the adult awards.

Ken Windle acted as MC for the event, with club president Tony Cook handing out the awards.

He was assisted by first-team captain Ben Buxey and John Watson.

The recipients of the various trophies were: Most Improved Player of the Year - Lee Turner, Young Player of the Year - Scott Smith, Top Try Scorer - Kestrels: Max Chapman, First XV: Jake Buxey, Best Back of the Year - Kestrels: Dave Hitchin, First XV: Richard Brannan, Best Forward of the Year - Kestrels: Sam Reed, First XV: Jem Lonsdale, Players' Player of the Year - Kestrels: Max Chapman, First XV: Jake Buxey, Clubman of the Year - Dave Green.

For their work with the club's youth teams, special RFU Valued Volunteer certificates were presented to Alex and Emma Barbour, Dave Hitchin and Pete Watts.

In addition to the trophies, all of the Essex League division two championship-winning squad were presented with their winners medals. They were Lee Amman, Simon Anderson, Richard Brannan, Ben Buxey, Jake Buxey, Tom Dearsley, Dave Green, Josh Griggs, Darren Hotten, Grant Jarmain, Shane Jerram, Aaron Johnston, Jem Lonsdale, Liam Pickett, Jon Shipman, Scott Smith, Darren Tully, Lee Turner, Richard Turner, Billy White, Dan Wigfall and Joe Wigfall.

The final award of the evening went to departing coach Trevor Cottee.

He is having to relocate overseas because of his work and the players presented him with an engraved mug, along with a signed photograph, as a parting gift and as a thank you for all his efforts.

On Saturday, the club played host to a touring party of 70 adults and children from Westcliff Rugby Club.

They were staying in Clacton for the weekend and were able to play a couple of games against the home club.

On Sunday, the club held its annual Ernie Tweedy Sevens competition.

Six clubs entered - Brightlingsea, Clacton A, Clacton B, Old Brentwoods and Rascals (Colchester), plus an Ernie Tweedy Invitation side, know as ET's.

In the glorious sunshine, 15 matches were played on a round-robin league basis, utilising both of the Vista Road pitches.

The top two sides - ET's and Clacton A - contested a final with ET's running out winners 35-5.

The club chairman, Andy Sellman, presented the winner's trophy and medals, with the Plate trophy going to the Rascals.

11:38am Tuesday 6th May 2008

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