Players celebrate at Malvern RFC's end of season awards

The much-anticipated evening was a chance to relax after a strong season of men's and women's, contact and touch rugby.

The event, which took place on Friday, March 31, was the first held by the rugby club after a couple of years’ hiatus due to Covid.

The winners were: 

Players Player: Franco Bent 

1st Team Player: Joe Budd 

2nd Team Player: Byron Eacock 

1st Team Most Improved: Marcus Hill 

2nd Team Most Improved: Scott Hughes 

Presidents Cup - Best Young Player: Finn Potter 

Chairmans Cup - Clubperson of the Year: Sarah Kane 

Also presented were tankards for Conor Giggle and Richard Hobbs for both passing 150 1st XV caps during the season.

A total £945 was raised for the rugby club’s Hardship Fund via the raffle. The fund supports any adult or youth player who is struggling to play due to the cost-of-living crisis, sponsoring their subs or kit.

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Hannah Campbell, one of the organisers of the event, said: “This was only possible through the generous donations of prizes by Chris Creates, The Worcestershire Golf Course, Three Counties Showground, Solo Boutique, Austin & Co, Malvern Theatres and F9 Fitness.

“A big thank you to all the volunteers who helped set up, the waiting staff, the bar staff and Tony and Jan in the kitchen, and, of course, Ieuan Mustow for helping me to organise the awards.

“Like everything at the club, the event couldn’t have happened without the time given by the club’s volunteers and the support of the players and sponsors.”

Malvern’s first team had finished their season a few days previously with an 11-try win over Droitwich at Spring Lane.

The season finale was dedicated to club legend Richard Hobbs on his 150th appearance for Malvern and they celebrated in a convincing fashion to conclude their successful campaign.

Hobbs, to the joy of the crowd, scored the final try of the day while Conor Giggle finished with a hat-trick.