AROUND150 guests enjoyed Pontypool RFC’s presentation evening and club dinner on Friday evening.

The gala event was held at The Parkway Hotel and Spa, and was compered by non-executive chairman of the club Peter Jeffreys, writes Ray Ruddick.

The guest speaker was former Pontypool and Wales captain and British Lion Eddie Butler who gave a fascinating talk on what rugby, in general, and Pontypool RFC, in particular, meant to him.

The evening got underway with a showing on the big screen of Pooler in action from several games over the past season.

Following that, the first four presentations were handed out.

Captain’s trophy went to Ben Parry; Medinet man of the season was named as Dai Davies; top points scorer in the league was Tom Hancock, who notched up 120 points; and top try scorer in league play was Ashley Norton, who crossed the whitewash on 11 occasions.

Most promising player was named as Garin Harris, with players’ player going to Matthew Thomas.

Rob Nash was name the supporters’ player of the year, while there were rewards for Ben Parry (53), Ashley Norton (56), Clayton Gullis (58), Rob Nash (62) and Jordan Williams (62), all of whom passed the 50 competitive appearances mark for the club at various points in the season.

The final two awards of the evening were player of the season and clubman of the season.

Martyn Hale notched the second award for his enduring commitment to the historic club, while Matthew Thomas walked away with the player of the season gong to cap an impressive personal campaign.

Pontypool RFC chief executive said of the evening: "It was a tremendous occasion that really represents the progress the club has made compared to twelve months ago. It was very gratifying to see over 150 unified people in attendance to celebrate the achievements made during what was a very challenging season.

"The feeling now is that we have a core coaching, management and playing unit that is absolutely clear on what we need to do to achieve our objectives, and the atmosphere only confirmed how stable we now are as a club.”