RAF LEUCHARS NOMADS RUGBY DINNER
The most prestigious event of the Rugby calendar this year happened in October, the Leuchars Nomads RUFC Annual Dinner.
The Clubs Players, Wives, Girlfriend and Boyfriends(Front Row) descended upon St Michaels Hotel for an evening of reflection, for the Season past and hope for the forthcoming season. A season that has seen some impressive performances in the RAF Cup and Warrington Morris Shield and not forgetting a tour of a lifetime to South Africa!
As ever the Wives and Girlfriends looked delectable, some more radiant than others, with Louise Parr, Gemma Carson and Naomi Ives all pregnant. It seemed Jason, Craig and Gaz had been busy both on and off the field! It also seemed that since the ladies couldn't drink their hubbies were doing all they could not to let down the family names. Since we're mentioning how good the Ladies looked it has to be said that Jinxy's Mum looked lovely, she had a great night and still managed to keep an eye on Jinxy and Dawn!
The evening started off well with a beautiful meal being served to a very hungry bunch of lads. In some cases it looked like some of the Boy's meals never even touched the sides before they powered on with the important part....drinking! Thanks have to go to the staff for the meal and also for putting up with us for what would normally be a quiet and sedate night, so thank you to Karen and her staff at he St Michaels Hotel for a fantastic evening and meal.
Post meal came the important part of the night, the award presentations. The season past has seen the team change drastically with a very fresh look setting in. Many of the so called younger players have been thrust into the thick of things and have done extremly well under the circumstances. One of the traits of an RAF team is the constant change of who the actual team is. This past season more than ever has required change, with that in mind every player who played their part this season should be commended for their efforts in whatever way.
Several members of the team were obviously in the running for the award of the ESS Player of the Year Award. The award in the end could only go to one player who, on and off the field, always impressed. He excelled in organising fixtures for the Club in a year that games and players were hard to organise. More importantly, he always gave 100% on the pitch, his athletisism and ability made him a great asset to a young team. He provided an element of direction for a pack that needed leaders never shying away from a lineout jump and always impressing. The 2005/2006 ESS Player of the Year Award went to Ross Guy.
The 2nd award presented was the award for the most improved player of the year. This award, again, was tough to find a recipient for. The award of 'Most improved player', for the synics, is normally for someone who generally is a bit of a biff but then comes good.....not in this case. This player again constantly impressed, he managed to shine in a position that, with Leuchars, generally sees little of the ball, winger. To cap off a successful season he also managed to represent the RAF at U21 level. He always gave his all for both Leuchars and RAF U21's, in recognition of his excellent season Steve Thomas was awarded the 'Most Improved Player of the Year Award' for the season 2005/2006.
The final award of the evening was the 'Clubman of the Year' award. This award is given to the club member who has exceeded expectations of the Club, someone who goes above and beyond the call of duty both on and off the field. This year the award went to someone who resurrected a playing career that had seen International honours. The galloping 2nd row player dusted off his experienced boots to play an important part in the Nomads tour of South Africa. His legendary sidestep had caused rumblings of fear from the teams faced in SA so it was imperative the club drew on this experience and proflie. To cap off his tour it was claimed he was spotted tackling a cheetah at full speed to rescue an injured baby wildabeest. He also does a great Giraffe impression. Playing aside, the award is also given in recognition of outstanding work in the Clubhouse. This man was vital in the fundraising efforts that took the club on tour to SA. He gave direction to others but also contributed constantly, indeed he even raised money by losing weight on his pre-tour fitness prep. Whilst not contributing to the fundraising efforts of the Club he is intent on making the Club Bar the best on the Station. As Bar Manager this Gentleman makes sure the Bar is running smoothly at all times, he gives up hours of his own time weekly and can often be found sleeping in the club after nights running the bar. As he says "the Club is his bedroom" and long may it continue. For his continued commitment and excellence Marvo Hollands was awarded, for the second time, the Clubman of the Year Award.
From St Michaels Hotel everyone returned to Leuchars Nomads Rugby Club for joyous celebrations and as much Beer as they could drink. Mark Lucian did his best to drink more than everyone else put together. Bobby Walden and Pops gave us their regular rendition of Butt F*****! Which was nice! Gaz Ives tried his best to get his electric shock game working, in the end though he had to resort to getting topless and giving his best muscleman routine. Marvo and Pumper managed to get themselves drunker than anyone had seen them for a long time.....and still remain standing!
A fantastic night was had by all, congratulations to all award winners and thanks to all Club members and players for a great season.
Regards from the Nomads