End of season awards 24/25

This past weekend saw the Cornish Pirates make their annual end of season awards.

As is usual, certain awards were presented after the team’s final home game of the season, which had been played against Nottingham on Saturday, with the balance then awarded at what again proved an extremely enjoyable end of season Dinner which took place at the Greenbank Hotel, Falmouth, on Sunday evening.

Awards – Part 1

On Saturday, in front of a large gathering enjoying the sunshine about the field after the match, PA announcer Phil Westren congratulated the coaches and players on finishing a very commendable fourth place in the Championship this season. This was quite some achievement after enduring a difficult start to the campaign. Also, thanks were expressed to sponsors, volunteers and supporters, and all who contribute to the Cornish Pirates cause, including the new consortium owners.

Now, the first two awards related to the game against Nottingham, and they both went to Cornish Pirates’ wing Harry Yates. Match Day Sponsor Tony Whyte of ARW Scaffold Contracting firstly presented Harry with

St. Austell Brewery’s ‘Tribute’ Man of the Match award, and then Elliott Wilkinson, representing Match Ball Sponsor ‘Microcomms’, presented him with the ‘Thatchers’ Try of the Match award.

Awards that then followed were as follows:

Clubman of the Year – Rhodri McAtee

A former Cornish Pirates’ favourite, who has played over 300 games in Pirates’ colours (including for the Pirates Amateurs), Rhodri is nowadays commendably a youth section coach, and an enthusiastic Penzance & Newlyn committee member. In Rhodri’s apologised absence, Phil Westren presented the trophy to Peter Whyte, the Chairman of Penzance & Newlyn RFC.

Dave Berryman Cup/Volunteer of the Year – Phil Jackson

Cornish Pirates’ CEO Sally Pettipher presented this award in recognition of stalwart Phil’s input in various ways, including in relation to meeting and greeting match officials, sorting out the radios for match day communication, and working diligently about the grounds, and always in a helpful and non-fuss manner.

Edwin Bryant Trophy – Gavin Cattle & Alan Paver

Following the passing of former Cornish rugby referee Edwin Bryant in 2007, who was also a keen supporter of the Cornish Pirates, in his memory his wife Carole has annually presented a carved cedar rugby ball, which makes a wonderful trophy, to recipients who must have been players, or one-time players, who have been involved for at least three years. Well, that was not a problem in this year’s case, as Carole was keen that Edwin’s award should be shared by two great men and former players, Gavin and Alan, joint head coaches for the best part of a decade.

John Stirling Memorial Cup for Commitment – Josh King

John was a great supporter of the Pirates a good friend to many. The trophy in his memory has been presented annually since 1999, and this year his widow Wendy fittingly presented the trophy to Josh to recognise his outstandingly committed play on the field.

Monckton Cup for Achievement – Murray Westren

People of a certain vintage about will remember father and son duo, the late Bill and Brian Monckton, as being outstanding Pirates – great characters – both on and off the field. Club captain John Stevens was invited to present the award to Murray, who he has worked closely with, and who has also helped coach the Cornish Pirates. In particular, the award was for Murray’s role as head coach of the Pirates Amateurs where he has guided them to promotion from the Counties 1 Tribute Western West league – their second promotion in recent seasons.

Roger Pascoe Cup – Supporters’ Player of the Season – Matt McNab

This trophy is presented in memory of the late Roger ‘Paco’ Pascoe, who played over 1000 games for the club. Cornish Pirates’ Chairman Paul Durkin presented the trophy, as voted for by supporters, to Matt, who has been a top performer in his two seasons at the Pirates, where his strength, pace and skill has seen him score tries aplenty in Pirates’ colours. It was the second year running that he has won the trophy.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Phil Westren

Taken unaware, after Alan Paver had spoken a few words, a surprised Phil was presented this trophy in recognition of his 60 years as a ‘Pirate’, both as a player initially and as someone who has held a wide variety of posts and provided input in numerous ways.

Awards – Part 2

At the end of Sunday evening’s dinner, coordinated by Ross Hancock, along with Gavin Cattle and Alan Paver, the following awards were made:

Community Player of The Year – Josh King

Appreciating the input of all Cornish Pirates’ squad members, Community Engagement Manager Neil Smith felt that the help of Josh King made him a deserved winner.

Sportsman of The Year – Bruce Houston

Fly-half Bruce has been a great contributor during his two years with the club. Besides his performances in 50 matches, he has really contributed off the field, is a fine sportsman, and has been a real influence within the squad.

Most Improved Player – Billy Young

Having made 34 appearances for the Cornish Pirates, it has been clear to see that prop Billy has really made his mark this season as an outstanding front-row contributor.

Try of the Season – Matt McNab v Cambridge (H)

Player of the Year – Will Trewin

In his three seasons with the Cornish Pirates, Will made 66 appearances and scored 20 tries. He has been quick to learn and showing continual improvement has developed into a very fine player. Off to join reformed Worcester Warriors, he is wished all the best.

Players’ Player of the Year – Will Trewin

Voted for by the players, club captain John Stevens  presented this award.

Framed Shirt – Robin Wedlake

After in seven seasons making 121 appearances for the Cornish Pirates and scoring 46 tries, Robin is moving on to embrace a new chapter in his life. He has been a very good servant and is also recognised as a good man off the field.

The President’s Cup – Dan Hiscocks

This final award, of an enjoyable and well attended night, was presented on behalf of Life President Dicky Evans (Sir Richard Evans) by Cornish Pirates’ CEO Sally Pettipher. Dan has been seen as a leading contributor on the field during his first season in Cornwall, and has established himself as one of the top ‘9s’ in the league.

Awards completed, attention is already focusing on what promises to be an exciting forthcoming 2025/26 season ahead!