Damon Murphy and Paul Jenkins were the big winners During Calne Rugby Football Club's 2004/05 end of season awards dinner. Murphy picked up the Dusty Miller Shield, for the most man of the match awards, as well as the Di Pongo, (top forward try scorer), award with a creditable 11 league tries. Jenkins scooped the prestigious players player award, as well as the best new comer award.

The award ceremony was followed by a disco and karaoke in Bowood’s Golf & Country Club’s marquee which was brimming with 60 club members, in their tuxedos and evening gowns, whilst enjoying the late evening summer sun and the fine meal provided by the hosts.

Guthrie Holliday broke Young’s Eleven year strangle hold on the top try scorer title with a staggering 16 league tries, whilst amassing a massive 27 through the season. Young was presented with a special shield with all 11 plaques named in his honour.

John Hope-Smith beat off some stiff competition to claim the most promising player. The powerful winger finished third in the try scoring table, in his second year in the sport after converting from American Football. And instrumental fly half, Paul Jenkins was awarded with the best new comer award, whilst his former Chippenham team-mate Neil Watkins received the commitment to training award.

The event was hosted by club chairman and president, Sean Lambourne, who after making his opening speech, received a call and rushed off to hospital to witness the birth of his 2nd child. Coach, John Crozier and 1st Captain, Andrew Donegan, then stepped out to announce the award winners in Lambourne’s absence.

The winner of the coach's player, a new award for the 2004/05 season, was Neil Young.

Retiring 2nd team captain Paul Hulbert, was awarded the 2nd team player of the year. Hulbert also received his retirement present of a large photo of himself in action for his many years of service. In his outgoing speech, Hulbert acknowledged all the support from his fellow 2nd team players and wished, incoming captain, Jason Dolman, the best of success.

In a overwhelming surprise to the two recipients, Phil Thomas and Matt Snell both received Honorary Life Memberships of the Club. Thomas, played for the club in the 70’s and is now the steward at CRFC’s home, the Recreation Ground. In recent years Phil has done all he can to promote CRFC and more recently has served on the selection committee. The Welshman can be seen week in, week out running the line. Snell has worked hard during the last two years to drag the club away from folding and in a very short space of time his actions have started to create a very sustainable club. Most of his work has been based around recruitment of senior players and the creation of youth and tag rugby sections.

In the wonderful surroundings of the golf club, Crozier was very complementary about the clubs upturn in progress on and off the fields and could hardly contain his excitement for the upcoming season, especially the more active 2nd team. In the meantime everyone was just as exited to hear the losers of the quiz start the karaoke session off. Loosehead, Ian Smart and Scotsman Young, opened the set with a stirring rendition of 500 miles.

A special award was presented to Paul Jenkins, who is off to sunny climbs as he looks to develop his teaching career in Spain for the next 12 months. Paul’s influence on the club has been staggering, as well as being an exceptional player his social leadership off the pitch will be sorely missed.

Jackie Arnold and Gemma Hope-Smith both received bouquets from the club. As the club’s first-aider, Jackie’s services are invaluable and as such, worthy of recognition. The event’s organiser, Gemma, was also a worthy recipient for her efforts in organising the awards evening, which most agreed was the social event of the last few seasons.

Picture shows from left to right – Andrew Donegan, Neil Watkins, Mike Palfrey & Alan Wicks