Saturday night saw players, former players and supporters gather for our annual awards night. It was a great night where we reminisced about the good old days and celebrate players achievements.
This was a special night as it was the inaugural cap presentation evening. Since 1972, thirteen players have surpassed 250 1st XV appearances for Selkirk Rugby Club and it was great to be able to recognise this by awarding them with caps. We were delighted to present Mick Craig (251), Guy Blair (252), David Bell (253), John Rutherford (256), Neil Darling (264), Fraser Harkness (268), Martin Murray (279), Ross Nixon (300), Nick Bihel (305), Scott Tomlinson (326), Keith Johnston (341), Scott McColm (341) and Michael Jaffray (439) with their caps at the dinner.
We also awarded four current players who have achieved over 100 appearances with caps – Luke Pettie (114), Bruce Riddell (119), Josh Welsh (163) and James Bett (197).
As the night went on we then turned our attentions to this seasons awards:
Neil Redpath Cup (‘A’ Team Most Committed Player) – Ruaraidh MacKessack-Leitch.
Ruaraidh, also known as The Doc, has shown exemplary commitment to Selkirk RFC both on and off the pitch. As our Mental Health Officer, he has driven us all to look after ourselves and each other better and on the field he belittles his smaller structure with big hearted performances.
Watt Henderson Memorial Quaich (Most Committed Player) – Zen Szwagrzak.
Zen has became a great asset to Selkirk Rugby since he joined and has shown a tremendous appetite for rugby and supporting the club. This was exemplified by him playing two games in two days – firstly an international game for Poland against Belgium (playing the full eighty minutes) then catching an overnight flight to play in the Border League final against Melrose where he had a stormer of a game helping Selkirk to victory.
Harris Memorial Quaich (‘A’ Team Player representing core values) – Blake Cullen
This award was specifically requested by the ‘A’ team management to reflect some of our unsung players who put the team above themselves and are happy in adversity where it supports their team. Blake has played out of position for most of the season putting the needs of the club and team above his own development and the ‘A’ team management team wanted to show their appreciation of this by awarding him this inaugural award.
Tom Henderson Special Achievement – Monroe Job
After winning the award last year after being selected for Scotland Under 18s, Monroe wins it again this year for his achievement in being selected for the MacPhail Scholarship and getting an opportunity to train and play in South Africa.
Top Tackler – Ross Nixon
Averaging over 13 tackles per game.
Top Try Scorer – Bruce Riddell
With tries being spread amongst the team, it was Selkirk’s defence rather than high scoring that won games. Scoring most of his tries by hanging on to dominant driving mauls and falling over the line, Bruce wins top try scorer with 8 tries.
‘A’ Team Players Player of the Year – Fraser Easson
Always one of the most important awards and recognitions by your peers on consistent performances – for Fraser this was also recognised by the coaching team and despite predominantly moving to a new position in the front row he was called up to the senior squad later in the season.
1st XV Players Player of the Year – Ross Nixon
Ross is someone who epitomizes playing rugby for Selkirk and has made sacrifices year on year to continue to do so. He has both the respect of his peers and everyone around the club.
George Thomson Memorial (Boag Cup) Player of the Year – Scott McClymont
Scott was awarded this for his hard work and determination on getting Selkirk on the front foot and stopping the opposition building momentum. He was probably the biggest metre make in the tight play and always dynamic in both defence and attack.
