GARETH Taylor scooped the Malvern RFC player of the year award at the club's annual presentation night dinner.

The second and third XV players of the season were Tony Seymour and Gareth Davies.

Liam Maloney, whose commitment and effort impressed all who saw him, was winner of the President's Cup for the outstanding young player.

George Roberts, possessed of blistering pace, strength and confidence, won the Bowman and Acock Cup for most improved player, whilst Phil Rawle won the infamous yellow jersey for regular over-commitment in front of the referee.

The Chairman's Cup, a prestigious award made to the club member who has done most for the club during the season, went to Henry O'Brien.

The popular second team manager had to plead, beg and cajole players to turn out at short notice as the first XV injury list robbed him of his first choices and his award was rapturously received by all.

David Robins received a special engraved tankard to mark his twelve seasons of unstinting effort as director of rugby.

At a club meeting a few days later, Robins was voted in for another term, with Dave King being appointed as player coach. King's appointment is in succession to the highly-respected Liam Middleton, who is joining the Scotland international team as performance director.

After two years at the helm, Matt Richardson makes way for James Hynes, the former England U21, Moseley and Stourbridge number 8, to take up the skipper's mantle.

Rob Phillips continues as first team manager, Tony Seymour captains the seconds, managed by Mike Brannelly, whilst Mark Harris will run the third XV.

Debs Danby will again skipper the successful Angels ladies' side, whilst Henry O'Brien takes on the running of the new colts side, the first at Malvern for 10 years.

This particularly excited Robins, who said: "Our youth development has already produced several first team players, but quite often we lose promising young players as they concentrate on studies for university. However, many of the current U17 side will be staying close to Malvern and we hope this continuity will help us form that important bridge between youth and senior rugby.

"Dave Wilkinson will be helping out with senior coaching, whilst we will see the return of Alex Wenden, Anthony Garner and Dave Hill to our ranks. With other signings expected and more players coming through, we are expecting to push for promotion to Midlands One over the next campaign."