Rugby awards shortlist announced

The inaugural end of season dinner for Rochdale, Bury and Bolton rugby clubs looks all set to be a cracking event, as the shortlist for the awards are announced. The dinner takes place this Saturday (9 April 2011) at Mayfield Sports Centre, Rochdale.

The hottest category seems to be the player of the year award, as numerous players have had stand out performances in what has been a fantastic season for Rochdale Rugby League. O'Brien at Mayfield has excelled at hooker, receiving recognition from the NCL Eagles. West and Qanicui have provided strong go forward and massive hits for the Cobras and Town Team all season and Sharrocks of Littleborough has provided try after try for his club in a difficult pennine league season.

All clubs still have limited tickets left for the dinner, and last minute purchases can be made (subject to availability)on Saturday from Rochdale Mayfield (between 10.30-13.00, 17.00-18.00) and Firgrove (13.15-14.30)

Former Bradford, Salford and New Zealand International Robbie Hunter-Paul is due to headline the dinner, which promises to be a cracking night all round for players, committee members, coaches volunteers and their partners alike.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Fi Bowker (Rochdale Cobras)
Ian Clegg (Whitworth Spartans)
Janine Browne (Littleborough ARLFC)
Pete Duffy (Rochdale Mayfield)

YOUNG VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Matty Connoly (Milnrow Cobras)
Matt Crowley (Littleborough/Rochdale 18s)
John Marsland (Mayfield Mustangs)
Emily Wynn (Rochdale Swarm)

COACH OF THE YEAR
Steve Gartland (Mayfield Mustangs u14s)
Sam Butterworth (Mayfield NCL)
Dean Hartley (Rochdale Mayfield)
Mark Cumiskey (Milnrow Cobras)

TEAM OF THE YEAR
Hopwood Hall Rugby League Academy
Rochdale Mayfield NCL
Littleborough Open Age
Rochdale Cobras 1sts

CLUB OF THE YEAR
Bury Jigsaw Wheelchair Rugby League
Cobras RL
Mayfield/Mayfield Mustangs
West Houghton Lions

PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Alex West (Rochdale Cobras)
Todd O'Brien (Mayfield NCL)
Jo Qanicui (Cobras RL)
Gareth Sharrocks (Littleborough)

YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Michael Robinson (Whitworth Spartans)
Ben Duffy (Hornets u18s)
Elliot Coupe (Littleborough)
Aidan Gleeson (Mayfield NCL)